15. What happens if there is no will or the will did not name an executor?

If there is no willA legal document which expresses a person’s final wishes about what happens to their property after they pass away, often specifically identifying intended beneficiaries for specific items of property., or the will does not name an executorA person who is identified in a decedent’s will as the person the decedent wants to become responsible for administering the decedent’s estate according to the terms and instructions of the will., or even if all the named executors decline to be an executor, then the probate court will appoint an administratorA person appointed by the probate court to manage the assets and liabilities of an intestate decedent. over the decedent’s estateThe assets and liabilities left behind by a decedent.. An administrator has limited authority over the estate and must first obtain permission from the probate court before taking certain actions.