Who Are the Fiduciaries Named in a Will?
The Executor is responsible for the settlement of the estate and is named by the deceased. If the deceased dies intestate, an Administrator is named by the court to serve in the same capacity. If the deceased has minor children and is not survived by his or her spouse, a Guardian may be named in the will to physically care for the children until they reach the age of majority (18 in Virginia). In addition, a trust may be established in the will and a Trustee may be named to ensure that distributions to the minor beneficiaries are made in accordance with the wishes of the testator as dictated in the will.
