What is the term for a personal representative of the deceased who is named in a will and appointed by the courts?

The term for a personal representative of the deceased who is named in a will and appointed by the courts is "Executor." An executor is specifically designated in the will to carry out the instructions of the deceased regarding the distribution of their estate. This role includes managing the deceased's financial affairs, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.

The distinction between an executor and other related terms is important. An administrator generally refers to a personal representative appointed by the court when there is no will present, and therefore, does not have the specific designation provided by the deceased. A beneficiary is someone who receives assets from the estate but does not manage the estate. A trustee, on the other hand, manages assets held in a trust, which is a distinct arrangement from executing a will. Understanding these definitions increases clarity about the roles involved in estate management and the legal processes following a death.