What each role means, and what you’re not responsible for
If you’ve been told you’re the “executor” of a will or the “personal representative” or “administrator” of an estate, you might be thinking:
“I have no idea what that actually means, but it sounds like a lot.”
You’re right: it is a big responsibility.
But it’s also something you can handle with good information and support.
Let’s unpack these roles in normal language, and more importantly, what you’re not personally on the hook for.
What is an Executor?
An executor is the person named in a will to be in charge of handling the estate.
If the court approves, the executor:
- Gathers and safeguards the person’s assets
- Handles bills, debts, and certain taxes
- Follows the will’s instructions about who receives what
- Reports to the court and beneficiaries as required
Think of the executor as the project manager of the estate.
You are in charge of the process, not inheriting all the problems personally.
What is a Personal Representative?
“Personal representative” is often the umbrella term the court uses.
It can refer to:
- An executor (when there is a valid will), or
- An administrator (when there is no will)
So if you see “personal representative” on court documents, think:
“This is the court’s word for the person officially in charge.”
What is an Administrator?
An administrator is appointed by the court when:
- There is no will, or
- The person named in the will cannot or does not want to serve
The administrator’s job is very similar to the executor’s:
- Find and secure assets
- Handle debts and taxes
- Distribute what’s left, but under state law, not a will’s instructions
They are the court‑appointed “project manager” when there’s no written plan.
What you are responsible for in these roles
Whether you’re called executor, personal representative, or administrator, you generally must:
- Act in the best interests of the estate and beneficiaries
- Be organized and honest about assets and debts
- Follow court rules and deadlines
- Keep good records of what you do
- Communicate reasonably with beneficiaries and the court
You are a fiduciary, which means the law holds you to a higher standard of care.
What you are not automatically personally liable for
This is where many people’s brains go straight to panic.
In most situations, you are not personally responsible for:
- The deceased person’s debts (beyond what the estate can pay)
- Every emotional reaction of every family member
- Paying estate expenses out of your own pocket (except voluntarily, or if you mishandle funds)
Your job is to:
- Use estate assets appropriately
- Follow the law and the court’s instructions
- Ask for help when needed
You are not required to be perfect, just careful, honest, and diligent.
What if I don’t want the role?
You can:
- Decline to serve, or
- Resign later, if it becomes too much
In those cases, the court may appoint someone else.
It’s better to be honest early than silently struggle and risk mistakes.
Getting help is part of doing the job well
The law does not expect executors or administrators to:
- Know every rule off the top of their head
- Personally draft all documents
- Navigate the court system without guidance
Hiring an attorney or other professionals is often part of fulfilling your duty, not failing at it.
A good legal team helps you:
- Understand what’s required
- Meet deadlines
- Avoid costly errors
- Sleep better at night
Your brain moves from “I’m going to mess this up” to “I have a plan and support.”
You don’t have to carry this alone
If you’ve been named executor, personal representative, or administrator and feel overwhelmed, that feeling is normal.
The right next step is simple:
- Bring what you have (will, any court papers, a rough list of assets)
- Ask, “What does this role require in my case, and what happens next?”
