Who is typically appointed to oversee an estate of a person who dies without a will?

In the case of a person who dies without a will, the individual appointed to oversee the estate is known as an administrator. This role is critical in managing the deceased's assets, settling debts, and ensuring that any remaining property is distributed according to state law. Unlike an executor, who is designated in a will to carry out the deceased's wishes, the administrator is appointed by the probate court when no will exists. This ensures that the estate is handled in accordance with legal guidelines, providing a structured approach to the probate process.

A trustee, on the other hand, manages assets placed in a trust, which is not necessarily directly related to the administration of an estate without a will. Similarly, a guardian is typically appointed to care for minor children or dependents, not to administer estates. Thus, the role of administrator is specifically designed for handling situations involving intestacy—where there is no will to dictate the distribution of a person's estate.