What is a key responsibility of an executor of a will?

The role of an executor is crucial in the administration of a deceased person's estate as outlined in their will. One of the key responsibilities of an executor is to manage the estate's debts and assets. This involves settling any outstanding debts of the deceased, ensuring that claims against the estate are handled appropriately, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will.

The executor acts as a representative of the estate and is tasked with overseeing the probate process, which includes gathering all assets, paying off any liabilities, and ensuring that the estate is managed in accordance with the deceased's wishes, as stated in the will. This responsibility is vital because it ensures that the estate is handled legally and efficiently, which protects the interests of the beneficiaries and upholds the directives of the will.

In contrast, the other responsibilities listed are not typically part of the role of an executor. For example, creating or amending the will is the purview of the testator (the person making the will), and contesting the will's validity would involve individuals challenging the will, which is not a task assigned to the executor. Enforcing the provisions of the will might seem relevant, but the primary function of the executor is to manage the estate rather than to enforce