From Crease Harman
There are two major things that must be sorted by relatives if someone dies without a will. The first is who gets the job of being the executor (the term administrator is used in cases where there is no will). The second is how to distribute the assets left after the debts are paid.
In terms of appointing an administrator, it can get tricky if more than one person wishes to do this – or if no one wishes to. Essentially, the court will have to approve the person who has chosen to act. If everyone gets along and can agree as to who should be entrusted, it’s a lot easier. If family members such as spouses and children disagree things can get expensive and it will erode any assets that have been left behind.
Read the full article: What happens when someone dies without a will?