What is the role of the Executor?
An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its instructions. Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home offers this general guidance and recommends an attorney for case-specific questions.
The General Responsibilities
An executor typically files the will with Surrogate’s Court, notifies beneficiaries and creditors, inventories assets, pays valid debts from those assets, and distributes what remains.
Who Can Serve
Generally any competent adult named in the will, often a family member, though some choose an attorney or professional fiduciary for larger estates.
Debts Are Paid from the Estate, Not Personally
An executor pays valid debts using estate assets, not personal funds, though the role carries a legal duty to handle the process properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does an executor do?
Files the will, notifies beneficiaries and creditors, manages assets, pays debts, and distributes what remains per the will.
Who can serve as an executor?
Generally any competent adult named in the will.
Is an executor personally responsible for estate debts?
Generally not out of pocket; debts are paid from estate assets, not personal funds.