Administrator

An administrator is the person who administers the estate of someone who died without a valid will. Their authority is granted by Letters of Administration from the Probate Registry in England and Wales. [source: gov-uk/applying-for-probate-2026-04-29.html]

The duties of an administrator mirror those of an executor under a will: gather in assets, pay debts and tax (including Inheritance Tax via IHT400 to HMRC where required), and distribute the residue. The difference is that, with no will to follow, distribution is governed by intestacy rules rather than the deceased's wishes.

Who can act as administrator is set by statute. The order in England and Wales puts the surviving spouse or civil partner first, then adult children, then parents, then siblings, and so on. The application uses Form PA1A.

The same personal-liability rules apply as for executors: distribute too early, miss a creditor, or skip IHT obligations, and the administrator can be exposed personally. → How to apply for probate

Last verified: 29 April 2026 against gov.uk/applying-for-probate.