An administrator in terms of estate planning is someone who is appointed by the Clerk of Court to oversee the administration of an estate in the absence of a will. If there is a will this person is called an executor and is usually named in the will as such. The administrator is responsible for assuring the estate is closed and carried through probate in accordance with state laws. The administrator is tasked with collecting the estate's assets and paying the estate's debts out of those assets. In addition, the administrator is responsible for the filing of all necessary paperwork with the court system and for notifying and distributing remaining assets according to the wishes of the decedent or the laws of the state in the absence of any directions on distribution.