What is Estate Administration?

Estate Administration is the handling of a person's Estate after their passing. It may involve the Probate Court Process or Trust Administration. In either case, the Executor (Probate - Will) or Trustee (Trust) will make decisions regarding a deceased person's Estate in accordance with the document provided. If there is no Will or Trust, then a person may be named as an Estate's Representative  or Administrator in order to handle the distribution of a person's property and estate. 

What is involved in being an Estate's Administrator?

The person appointed to be the Administrator must seek out all the assets of the Estate. Prior to any distribution the Administrator must make sure all the final bills are paid, taxes are completed and then wind up the Estate. You will be required to keep track of any income that is collected and all the expenses that are paid from the Estate.

Is the Administrator responsible to pay any bills from their own assets?

No. An Administrator is not responsible for paying any debt of the deceased. If the deceased's Estate does not have any funds to pay his/her debt(s), generally no one else is required to pay them. 

How long does an Estate Administration take to complete?

If the case goes to Probate Court, generally the time frame is about 9 months from the date of first filing. A six (6) month time is necessary for the publishing notification of the Probate Estate. This allows any creditors to file claims against the Estate. Once the six (6) months is completed, then the accounting can be completed to finalize the Estate. Of course other factors may intervene, such as the waiting for the sale of a residence or other property that may delay the closing of the Estate.

Who can be an Administrator?

A person over eighteen (18) years of age with no felony conviction, usually nominated by the deceased person or a relative. 

Estate Administration