Trustee vs. Administrator — What's the Difference?

Oversees the trust's administration, including investment, distribution, and tax compliance.

Often appointed in cases where there is no will or an executor is not named.

Acts in a fiduciary capacity, ensuring the trust's assets are managed according to the trust document.

Responsible for collecting the estate's assets, paying debts, and distributing the remainder to heirs.

Can be an individual, a group of people, or an institution.

Acts under the supervision of the court to ensure the estate is handled according to law.

A person or firm that holds and manages assets for beneficiaries.

Manages the legal and financial aspects of estate administration, including taxes.

Has legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

A person appointed by the court to manage and distribute a deceased person's estate.

(Law) The person in a trust relationship who holds title to property for the benefit of another.

A person who dispenses or administers something

A member of a board elected or appointed to direct the funds and policy of an institution.

One who administers, especially one who works as a manager in a business, government agency, or school.

A country responsible for supervising a trust territory. See Usage Note at -ee1.

(Law) One appointed to administer an estate.

To place (property) in the care of a trustee.

One who administers affairs; one who directs, manages, executes, or dispenses, whether in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs; a manager

A person in whose hands the effects of another are attached in a trustee process.

(legal) A person who manages or settles the estate of an intestate, or of a testator when there is no competent executor; one to whom the right of administration has been committed by competent authority

Trustee (or the holding of a trusteeship) is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, is a synonym for anyone in a position of trust and so can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility to transfer the title of ownership to the person named as the new owner, in a trust instrument, called a beneficiary. A trustee can also refer to a person who is allowed to do certain tasks but not able to gain income, although that is untrue.

(computing) One who is responsible for software installation, management, information and maintenance of a computer or network

To function or serve as a trustee.

One who administers affairs; one who directs, manages, executes, or dispenses, whether in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs; a manager.

A person to whom property is legally committed in trust, to be applied either for the benefit of specified individuals, or for public uses; one who is intrusted with property for the benefit of another.

A person responsible for carrying out the administration of a business or organization

(transitive) To commit (property) to the care of a trustee.

A man who manages or settles the estate of an intestate, or of a testator when there is no competent executor; one to whom the right of administration has been committed by competent authority.

(transitive) To attach (a debtor's wages, credits, or property in the hands of a third person) in the interest of the creditor.

Someone who administers a business

A person to whom property is legally committed in trust, to be applied either for the benefit of specified individuals, or for public uses; one who is intrusted with property for the benefit of another; also, a person in whose hands the effects of another are attached in a trustee process.

The party appointed by a probate court to distribute the estate of someone who dies without a will or without naming an executor

To commit (property) to the care of a trustee; as, to trustee an estate.

Someone who manages a government agency or department

To attach (a debtor's wages, credits, or property in the hands of a third person) in the interest of the creditor.

A person (or institution) to whom legal title to property is entrusted to use for another's benefit

Members of a governing board

Trustees are appointed according to the terms specified in the trust document.

The main difference lies in their roles: trustees manage trust assets for beneficiaries, while administrators handle a deceased's estate for heirs.

A trustee is an individual or institution appointed to manage trust assets for the benefit of beneficiaries.

An administrator manages and distributes a deceased person's estate according to the law or the will's instructions.

Yes, an administrator can be a beneficiary, but they must act impartially and in accordance with the law.

Trustees have fiduciary responsibilities to manage the trust's assets prudently and in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

Administrators are often appointed by a court when there is no will or the will does not name an executor.

Yes, trustees can receive compensation for their services, as outlined in the trust document or by law.

Yes, a trustee can be removed for failing to adhere to their fiduciary duties or the terms of the trust.

An administrator serves until the estate is fully settled and distributed, which can vary in time.

No, a trust requires a trustee to manage its assets and carry out the terms of the trust.

Administrators have the legal obligation to settle the deceased's debts and distribute the remaining assets according to the will or law.

An administrator is appointed in the absence of a will, when the will doesn't name an executor, or the named executor cannot serve.

If an administrator fails in their duties, they can be removed by the court and held liable for any resulting losses to the estate.

Trustees have authority as defined by the trust document, which includes managing and distributing trust assets.