An executor is the person responsible for settling a deceased person’s estate. As executor, your duties include protecting, inventorying, appraising and distributing assets, paying taxes and settling debts owed by the deceased. You are legally obligated to act in the interests of the deceased, following the wishes expressed in his or her will. If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, keep in mind that you can hire professional help - for example, an attorney to help with the probate process or an accountant to file taxes.  The laws governing the procedures for probating an estate and the appointment and obligations of an executor vary from state to state.

This section only provides a general overview of the probate process and of the role the executor plays.  Anybody who finds themselves in the position of having been named an executor or who is deciding on who they should name as an executor for their estate should consult an experienced trusts and estates attorney from their own state.