Who is responsible for administering an estate when there is no will and no liquidator?

In cases where an estate has no will and consequently no designated liquidator, the responsibility of administering the estate typically falls to the legal heirs. Legal heirs are defined as those individuals who are entitled to inherit according to the laws of intestacy, which dictate the distribution of assets when a person dies without a valid will. These heirs work together to manage the estate's affairs, which can include settling debts, distributing assets, and ensuring that all responsibilities associated with the estate are fulfilled.

While it is true that the legal heirs are responsible for the administration in such scenarios, there are situations where they might need assistance from the court or other entities. However, the initial obligation lies with the heirs to take action on behalf of the estate. This autonomy allows them to collaboratively manage the situation in accordance with legal guidelines.

The other choices, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not define the primary responsibility for administering an estate without a will. A court-appointed official may become involved if disputes arise or if the heirs cannot agree, but the proactive administration initially falls to the legal heirs. Similarly, the deceased’s spouse may have rights under the intestacy laws but does not automatically assume the role of executor or liquidator unless specifically designated. The local government typically does not intervene