An administrator de bonis non (D.B.N) is a person appointed by a probate court to manage the assets of a deceased person's estate that were not handled by a previous administrator. The term "de bonis non administratis" refers to the goods that have not been administered, which means these are the assets that remain after the death or removal of the initial estate administrator.
This term is primarily used in probate law, which deals with the administration of estates after a person's death. An administrator de bonis non steps in when the original administrator has either passed away, resigned, or been removed. This role is crucial for ensuring that all assets are properly managed and distributed according to the law and the decedent's wishes. Individuals can often manage the necessary paperwork using legal templates available through services like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person passes away, leaving behind a will and several assets. The appointed executor fails to manage all the assets, and some remain unadministered. The probate court appoints an administrator de bonis non to handle these remaining assets.
Example 2: After an executor is removed due to misconduct, the court appoints an administrator de bonis non to ensure the estate is properly administered and distributed according to the will. (hypothetical example)
| State | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| California | Requires specific forms to be filed for the appointment of an administrator de bonis non. |
| New York | Allows for a temporary administrator to be appointed while waiting for a permanent administrator de bonis non. |
| Texas | May require a bond to be posted by the administrator de bonis non. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Executor | Person named in a will to manage the estate. | Executors manage the estate as per the will, while administrators de bonis non handle unadministered assets. |
| Administrator | Person appointed to manage an estate without a will. | Administrators manage the entire estate, while administrators de bonis non focus on unadministered assets. |
If you find yourself needing to appoint an administrator de bonis non, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Fees | Varies by state and complexity of the estate. |
| Jurisdiction | Probate courts in the state where the decedent resided. |
| Possible Penalties | Failure to properly administer the estate can result in legal action. |
It means "of goods not administered," referring to assets that were not handled by a previous administrator.