is a person or entity appointed — by agreement among heirs or by the Family Court — to manage a deceased person's estate from the moment of death through final distribution. Under the Inheritance Law (1965), the administrator collects assets, settles debts, files tax clearances, and distributes the estate according to the will or statutory order. Court appointment provides the administrator with legal authority to represent the estate before third parties and institutions. The Law Office of Adv. & CPA Shoshi Arbib acts as estate administrator and guides heirs through the appointment process.
What Is an Estate Administrator?
An estate administrator (Manhel Izavon) is a person appointed by the court or agreed upon by the heirs to manage the estate of a deceased person. Unlike the heirs themselves, the administrator has legal authority to act on behalf of the estate — collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the remainder to beneficiaries.
When Is an Administrator Appointed?
An administrator is appointed when: (1) there are disputes among heirs, (2) the estate has complex assets such as a business or multiple properties, (3) creditors of the estate require protection, or (4) the heirs live abroad and cannot manage affairs locally. An executor named in a valid will performs a similar role but derives their authority from the Probate Order rather than a separate appointment.
Powers and Duties of the Administrator
- Taking inventory of all estate assets and liabilities.
- Opening and managing an estate bank account.
- Collecting debts owed to the estate.
- Paying the estate's debts and obligations.
- Distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will or Inheritance Order.
- Filing tax returns for the estate period.
Who can be appointed as estate administrator in Israel?
Any legally competent adult may serve as estate administrator — typically the principal heir, an attorney, or a professional fiduciary. Under the Inheritance Law (1965), when heirs agree on a candidate the Family Court or Registrar of Inheritance Affairs generally confirms the appointment. Where heirs are in dispute, the court appoints an independent administrator. The administrator must file periodic reports to the court and cannot distribute estate assets without authorisation — any unauthorised distribution may attract personal liability. The Law Office of Adv. & CPA Shoshi Arbib represents estate administrators and advises on the full scope of their legal duties.
When Is an Administrator Appointed?
An administrator is appointed when: (1) there are disputes among heirs, (2) the estate has complex assets such as a business or multiple properties, (3) creditors of the estate require protection, or (4) the heirs live abroad and cannot manage affairs locally. An executor named in a valid will performs a similar role but derives their authority from the Probate Order rather than a separate appointment.
Official References: Israel Ministry of Justice — Estate Administration · Israeli Courts Administration · Israel Land Authority · National Insurance Institute of Israel · Israel Tax Authority
4 Steps to a Valid Will in Israel
- Initial legal consultation — Meet with a specialist inheritance attorney to review your assets, pension rights, and intentions.
- Choose the type of will — Handwritten, witnessed, authorised (before a judge or notary), or oral — each has distinct legal requirements under the Inheritance Law 5725-1965.
- Draft and sign — The will is drafted to meet statutory requirements and signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
- Deposit for safekeeping — Lodge the will with the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs for official registration and legal validity.
Shoshi Arbib Law Office — Attorney | CPA | Mediator, Netanya, Israel.
