What is the role of an executor?

The role of an executor is primarily to carry out the provisions of a will. This includes managing the estate of the deceased according to their wishes as outlined in the will. The executor is responsible for tasks such as settling debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and ensuring that all legal obligations are met, which may include filing necessary paperwork with the probate court.

In the context of estate management, the executor acts on behalf of the deceased to honor their last requests and ensure that the estate is settled in a manner consistent with their wishes. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the will and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance.

Additional roles mentioned in other choices, such as overseeing the estate of an intestate, would fall to an administrator rather than an executor, as intestacy implies that there is no will. The responsibility to be the custodian of the deceased's body typically lies with funeral directors and not the executor. While managing personal effects of the deceased can be part of the executor's duties, this is just one aspect of their broader responsibility to carry out all provisions of the will.