If a will does not name an executor, who will be appointed to fulfill this role?

In the event that a will does not designate an executor, the role is fulfilled by an administrator. This is a legal term for a person appointed by a probate court to manage and distribute a deceased person's estate when there is no executor named in the will, or if the will is invalid, or if the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve.

The administrator has similar responsibilities to that of an executor, which include gathering the deceased’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property according to the terms of the will or, in cases without a valid will, according to state intestacy laws. This appointment helps ensure that the estate is managed appropriately and in compliance with legal standards.

Other roles mentioned in the options have distinct responsibilities that do not substitute for the role of administering an estate. An executor is specifically someone named in a will, while a trustee is involved in managing a trust, and a guardian is responsible for taking care of minor children or dependents. These roles serve different purposes that do not overlap with the duties of an administrator in the probate process.