Kansas Funeral Director Practice Exam

The person responsible for managing another's estate until its distribution is known as what?

1. Executor

2. Beneficiary

3. Guardian

4. Administrator

The correct answer is: Administrator

The term used to describe an individual responsible for managing another's estate until it is distributed is "Administrator." This role typically applies when a person dies without a valid will; therefore, the administrator is appointed by the court to oversee the estate's administration. The administrator handles various responsibilities, including collecting the deceased’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. In contrast, an executor is designated in the deceased's will and performs similar functions to an administrator but is chosen by the deceased prior to their death. A beneficiary is someone who receives assets from the deceased's estate, which does not involve management responsibilities. A guardian typically refers to someone appointed to care for minors or dependents, which is a different context from estate management. This distinction highlights the specific legal role and responsibilities of the administrator in estate management.