What is an Executor or Administrator?
An Executor or Administrator is the personal representative of an estate of a deceased person. If the decedent left a Will (referred to as dying testate), the person who administers the estate is called an Executor. If the decedent left no Will (referred to as dying intestate), the person is called an Administrator. Who Serves as Executor or Administrator? An Executor is nominated by the decedent in his or her Will. An Administrator is nominated, generally, by the decedent’s family according to the statutory rule. After a priority given the surviving spouse, any heir may be appointed. One or more individuals or a Bank, or a combination of these, may be named. Each Executor or Administrator must be approved and appointed by the Court. You should carefully review your selection of an Executor with your attorney. What are the Responsibilities of an Executor or Administrator? The duties and responsibilities of an Executor or Administrator are defined primarily by parts of the Iowa Code, th
