When someone passes without a will, it is called “dying intestate”. In these situations, their estate will be probated under the laws of intestacy, which establish how their property is to be divided when there is no will.
In such a case, any interested person can petition to be appointed the “personal representative” to administer the estate (i.e., the Administrator). A probate litigation attorney’s role at this point is typically to assist in preparing and filing such a petition or opposing such a petition filed by another person.