What is the purpose of estate administration?

The purpose of estate administration is fundamentally centered on the distribution of a decedent's assets. This process involves managing the estate after an individual's death, ensuring that all debts and taxes are settled, and ultimately facilitating the transfer of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as designated in the decedent's will or, if there is no will, according to state intestacy laws. This process is essential for providing closure to the decedent's affairs and ensuring that their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate are honored.

While the other options may relate to aspects of estate planning or management, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of estate administration. Drafting a will, creating trust funds, and establishing guardianships are all important components of planning for the future but do not pertain to the administration of an estate once someone has passed away. Estate administration is specifically concerned with the responsibilities and actions taken after a person's death to handle their estate.