What is the statutory purpose of using an administrator in estate settlement?

The statutory purpose of using an administrator in estate settlement primarily revolves around managing the estate's debts. When an individual passes away, their estate may have outstanding obligations, such as mortgages, loans, or other debts that need to be settled before any distribution of assets can occur. The administrator is appointed by the court to oversee the proper handling of these financial responsibilities, ensuring that claims against the estate are paid out of the estate's assets according to prioritization set forth by law. This role is crucial because it protects the interests of creditors and helps ensure that the estate is managed in accordance with applicable laws, ultimately guiding the process toward a fair and orderly distribution of remaining assets to rightful heirs or beneficiaries.

In contrast, while executing a will and distributing personal effects are part of the estate settlement process, these tasks are secondary to ensuring that all debts and obligations are settled first. Preparing property for sale may also be a relevant function but is not the primary statutory purpose of appointing an administrator. The focus is on the financial management of the estate as it winds down.