In this section, we will be covering the difference between an executor and an administrator.

This all depends on some key questions, is there a will? If there is, who is appointed executor in the will? And will they or are they able to do this?

Firstly, was there a will?

Yes

No

If you are the person who will be in charge of probate, you will be the executor. The executor is the person who is in charge of handling the estate. Their responsibility is to follow the will and distribute the person’s possessions, property and money and to settle any debts that may need to be paid.

If you are the person who will be in charge of probate, you will be the administrator. The administrator will do the same job as the executor. However, this term is used if the person who has died did not name anyone to be the executor or if the person who was named does not want to do that role.