What is the role of an executor in the context of a will?

The executor plays a crucial role in the administration of a deceased person’s estate. One of the primary responsibilities of the executor is to distribute the assets according to the terms laid out in the will. This involves locating and managing the decedent's assets, paying off any debts or expenses incurred by the estate, and ultimately ensuring that the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as specified in the will.

Executing this duty requires the executor to be familiar with the distributions outlined in the will, follow legal protocols, and often interact with beneficiaries and possibly creditors. Their role is vital in fulfilling the decedent's wishes and ensuring the proper transfer of assets to the intended recipients. This distribution process is conducted after the will has been probated, where the executor will typically submit the will to the probate court for validation and to officially gain the authority to act on behalf of the estate.

In contrast, creating the will and contesting it are not part of the executor's responsibilities. The creation of a will is the function of the testator (the person making the will), while contesting a will usually involves beneficiaries or other interested parties who may challenge the validity of the will for various reasons. Ensuring the will is probated is also a part of the executor