Probate and Estate Administration Forms

Administering an estate can be a stressful and difficult job. These downloadable ready-to-use forms will make your task as executor, administrator or trustee easier and save you time in preparing the necessary paperwork.

What is the difference between an executor and an administrator of an estate?

An executor is the person or organization named in the will of a deceased person (decedent) to administer the decedent's estate. The executor is sometimes also called an estate trustee.

If the decedent died intestate (without a will), the court will appoint someone to administer the estate. That person is called an administrator. The term personal representative can be used to refer to either an executor or an administrator.

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of validating the will. A grant of probate gives the executor the legal authority to administer the decedent's estate, pay the estate bills, resolve any claims or disputes (in court, if necessary), and distribute the estate property to the beneficiaries in accordance with the terms the will.