Daily AncestorAdministrator with the will annexed
An administrator with the will annexed (c.t.a.) is appointed by the court to carry out a will when no named executor is able or willing to serve.
Normally the executor named in the will settles the estate. When there is no executor able to act, the court appoints an administrator to administer the will in the executor's place. The Latin form is administrator cum testamento annexo, abbreviated c.t.a.
Like any personal representative, he holds the estate for the benefit of creditors and heirs. In the records you usually see the will proved first and then letters granted to an administrator with the will annexed.
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Daily Ancestor. "Administrator with the will annexed." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/legal-land/administrator-cta. Last checked 2026-10-12.