Administrator of a will (UK)
An administrator of a will is a person appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who has died without a valid will (intestate) or where no executor is willing or able to act. They distribute the estate according to the rules of intestacy under the Administration of Estates Act 1925.
What this check covers
This term refers to the individual responsible for handling the estate of a deceased person when there is no valid will or no executor named. The administrator is appointed by the Probate Registry and must follow strict legal procedures to ensure the estate is distributed correctly. They have similar duties to an executor but operate under intestacy rules rather than the terms of a will.
Key legal requirements
- Must apply to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Letters of Administration
- Priority order for who can administer the estate (e.g., spouse, children, parents)
- Duty to identify and notify all entitled beneficiaries
- Responsibility to pay any inheritance tax due
- Obligation to distribute the estate according to intestacy rules
Why this matters
Failing to appoint an administrator correctly can lead to delays in estate distribution, disputes among family members, or legal challenges. If the administrator breaches their duties, they may be held personally liable for financial losses to the estate or beneficiaries.
Next step with VetroCheck
Use the Codicil Amendment agent if you want a structured review of the relevant documents and supporting record.
Related reading
- Certified copy of will (UK)
- Wills register (UK)
- Adoption searches for probate (UK)
- What is a codicil to a will and when is it needed
Compliance note
This glossary content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice, does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and should be checked against current legislation, official guidance, and the facts of the specific case.
At a glance
- Definition
- An administrator of a will is a person appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who has died without a valid will (intestate) or where no executor is willing or able to act. They distribute the estate according to the rules of intestacy under the Administration of Estates Act 1925.
- Term
- Administrator of a will (UK)
- Category
- Family
- Published
- Keywords
- UK, Family, family