What is the difference between an executor and a trustee?

An executor and a trustee are two roles involved with estate planning in Washington. They are both responsible for carrying out the wishes of the person who established the estate plan. An executor is the person who administers the estate after the death of the person who established the estate plan. The executor is appointed in the will and carries out the instructions of the deceased as set forth through their will. This includes paying off debts, distributing property, and paying taxes. A trustee, on the other hand, is a person appointed by the deceased to carry out the wishes of the deceased during their life. A trustee can manage money and property on behalf of the deceased even before they pass away. The trustee is responsible for making sure that the assets are invested appropriately and that the beneficiary of the estate is receiving what they are entitled to. The main difference between an executor and a trustee is that an executor is appointed after the death of the estate owner to carry out the wishes laid out in the will, while a trustee is appointed during the life of the estate owner to manage their assets. Both roles are important to ensure the estate is managed responsibly and that the wishes of the estate owner are respected.

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What is the difference between an executor and a trustee?

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