### What is an administrator's deed? - [x] A legal document that transfers the property of an intestate individual - [ ] A document that transfers property with a will - [ ] A certification of a living individual's property ownership - [ ] A trust agreement for managing property > **Explanation:** An administrator's deed is a legal instrument used to transfer the property of someone who dies without a will (intestate). This type of deed is utilized to distribute the assets to descendants or next of kin. ### In the case of an intestate individual, who typically appoints the administrator of the estate? - [ ] The local real estate board - [ ] The family of the deceased - [ ] The county tax assessor - [x] The surrogate or probate court in the county of residence of the deceased > **Explanation:** The surrogate or probate court in the county where the deceased individual resided appoints the administrator of the estate. This official has the legal authority to manage and distribute the estate's assets. ### Which of the following is a duty of the administrator of the estate? - [x] Obtaining death certificates - [ ] Valuing the property above market price - [ ] Writing a new will for the deceased - [ ] Avoiding any contact with the deceased's family > **Explanation:** One of the many responsibilities of the administrator of the estate includes obtaining death certificates. They also have tasks like setting up the estate, filing estate tax returns, and locating the immediate family members of the deceased. ### What kind of role does the administrator of the estate play? - [ ] Casual - [ ] Entrepreneurial - [ ] Mediator - [x] Fiduciary > **Explanation:** The administrator of the estate acts in a fiduciary capacity, meaning they have a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. ### When is an administrator's deed necessary? - [ ] When a living individual decides to gift property - [ ] When creating a trust - [ ] When transferring property of a will - [x] When transferring property of someone who died without a will > **Explanation:** An administrator's deed is necessary when transferring the property of an individual who has died without a will (intestate). It facilitates the legal process of distributing their assets to the rightful heirs. ### Who are the beneficiaries of an administrator's deed? - [ ] Local charities - [ ] Financial institutions - [ ] Government agencies - [x] Descendants or next-of-kin of the deceased > **Explanation:** The beneficiaries of an administrator's deed are typically the descendants or next of kin of the deceased individual who died without a will. ### Which court typically handles the process of appointing an administrator of the estate? - [ ] Civil court - [ ] Criminal court - [ ] Juvenile court - [x] Probate court > **Explanation:** The probate court is responsible for handling the process of appointing an administrator of the estate for someone who dies intestate. This court oversees the management and distribution of the deceased’s assets. ### Why might an administrator need to sell assets of the deceased's estate? - [x] To pay bills and debts of the estate - [ ] To only profit for themselves - [ ] To avoid inheritance tax - [ ] To fund personal investments > **Explanation:** The administrator may need to sell assets in order to pay bills and debts that the estate owes. This is part of their responsibility to properly manage and settle the estate's obligations. ### What is the purpose of filing estate tax returns in the context of an administrator's responsibilities? - [ ] To decrease the value of the estate - [ ] To challenge probate court decisions - [x] To comply with legal requirements and determine tax liabilities - [ ] To transfer funds to the administrator > **Explanation:** Filing estate tax returns is a legal requirement to determine any tax liabilities of the estate. It ensures the estate complies with tax laws before distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. ### What is an intestate individual? - [x] A person who passes away without a will - [ ] A beneficiary of a living trust - [ ] A person who contests a will - [ ] An executor appointed by the court > **Explanation:** An intestate individual is someone who has passed away without leaving a will. In such cases, their property is distributed according to state laws with the help of an administrator’s deed.