ADMINISTRATOR. The personal representative of a deceased intestate or of a testator whose will does not appoint any executors, or whose executors are unable or unwilling to act. The nearest relative who is willing to act is appointed administrator, and in default of relatives administration may be granted to a creditor. The instrument certifying the grant is called "letters of administration." The personal estate of the intestate or testator (and since 1882 such real estate as was held by him in a fiduciary capacity) becomes vested in the administrator, who has to pay all debts chargeable to the estate, and to distribute the residue according to law, viz. in case of intestacy in accordance with the Statutes of Distribution and the modifying enactments (22 & 23 Car. IL c. 10 ; 1 Jac. IL c. 17), and, where there is a valid will in accordance with the directions contained in the same. In the latter case the grant is made "with the will annexed" (cum taxtamento annexo). a. s.