What is an administrator?

An administrator in Florida Probate Law is an individual appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person when no will has been left. An administrator is responsible for collecting and preserving the assets of the estate, paying any debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs. The process begins when a petition for administration is filed with the court. The petition must be accompanied by the death certificate of the deceased. In some cases, the petitioner may also have to prove their relationship to the deceased. After all the documents are filed, the court reviews the petition and may require a hearing to decide if an administrator should be appointed. Once the court appoints an administrator, that person is charged with the responsibility of settling the estate of the deceased. This includes taking inventory of the assets, selling any property, filing taxes, and distributing the remaining assets according to the laws of the state. An administrator also has the responsibility of ensuring the estate is protected from any claims or liabilities. Administrators are typically family members of the deceased, but if there is no family member qualified or willing to take on the responsibility, the court may appoint a third-party administrator to settle the estate. If the appointed administrator fails in their duties, they may be held liable.

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