Administration of Estates

When someone deals with the administration of a person's estate after they die, this is sometimes called 'Probate'.

If the deceased has made a will, the person who deals with the estate is called the executor. If the person has died leaving no will, then usually the next of kin deals with the estate and is called the administrator.

Executors and administrators are responsible for making sure that all of the deceased's property is accounted for, and is given to the right people (the beneficiaries).

This can be a very onerous responsibility, and sometimes executors and administrators can be personally liable if any mistakes are made.