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, the Internal Revenue Code and Court Rules. Some of these are summarized below. Opening the Estate If the decedent left a Will, it is the responsibility of the person in possession of the Will to file it with the Court. It is then the duty of the person nominated as Executor to ask the Court to probate the Will. Duties with the Court Publish or provide require
