What is an administrator of an estate?
Quick answer
An administrator is the person who manages an estate when there is no valid will, or when a will names no executor able to act. They are the intestacy equivalent of an executor: they apply for letters of administration, gather in the assets, pay debts and tax, and distribute the estate under the intestacy rules rather than a will.
Detailed explanation
Executor vs administrator comes down to whether there's a valid will appointing someone.
- Executor: named in a valid will; gets a grant of probate.
- Administrator: entitled under intestacy; gets letters of administration.
- Both have the same core duties and the same personal responsibility for getting it right.
Example scenario
Because her father left no will, Nadia becomes the administrator of his estate. She applies for letters of administration and, with no will to follow, distributes everything according to the intestacy rules.
What happens next?
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Human reviewYour answers are checked by the ClearLegacy editorial team for completeness.
- Receive your documentsYour will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
- Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the will is legally valid.
- Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate (application fee £300; estates over £5,000)
- GOV.UK — Probate fees and additional copies (£16 per copy)
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service — probate timeliness statistics, 2025
- GOV.UK — Valuing the estate of someone who's died
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
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