A more thorough explanation:

An administrator ad litem is a person appointed by a probate court to represent the interests of an estate in a lawsuit. This person is appointed when the estate's executor has passed away or when there is a conflict of interest between the estate and the executor.

For example, if the executor files a personal claim against the estate, an administrator ad litem must be appointed. Another example is when the validity of a will is challenged, especially on grounds that the listed executor is fraudulent. In this case, an administrator ad litem may be given temporary control of the estate while the court determines its validity.

Administrators ad litem have the same powers as a standard executor of a will and can distribute assets of the estate in accordance with court orders.

For instance, if a deceased person's estate is being sued for wrongful death, an administrator ad litem may be appointed to represent the estate's interests in court. This person would be responsible for managing the estate's assets and distributing them to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.