collector of decedent’s estate
collector of decedent’s estate. A person temporarily appointed by a probate court to collect assets and payments due to a decedent’s estate, and to settle other financial matters requiring immediate attention. • A collector is often appointed to look after an estate when there is a will contest or a dispute about who should be appointed administrator. The collector’s duties end when an executor or administrator is appointed. [Cases: Executors and Administrators 22. C.J.S. Executors and Administrators §§ 951–952, 954–956.]