What is an executor?

An executor is a person appointed by a court to carry out the instructions contained in a will. In Washington, executors are sometimes referred to as Personal Representatives. They are appointed by the court to take charge of the deceased’s estate, pay any debts owed, and distribute the estate according to the instructions from the will. An executor has a legal and fiduciary responsibility to the deceased and their estate. The executor is responsible for filing the will with the court and officially opening a probate estate. The executor must also collect and inventory the deceased’s assets, paying any taxes due, and distribute the remaining assets according to the will. The executor also has the duty to represent and protect the estate, meaning they have to take legal action if there are any disputes or challenges to the will. The executor must also file a final account with the court, which details the actions they have taken with the estate. To be an executor, a person must be at least 18 years of age and can be anyone the deceased chose. If a person is unwilling or unable to act as an executor, or if the deceased did not name an executor in the will, the court will appoint an administrator to serve instead.

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