What is an executor's duties?
An executor is a person, appointed by the deceased person’s will or by the court, who has the duty of carrying out the deceased’s wishes. In the state of Florida, it is the executor’s duty to manage the deceased’s estate (all their assets and liabilities), perform any necessary tasks, and distribute the deceased’s assets in accordance with their wishes and the law. In Florida, the duties of the executor include gathering assets, settling debts, and avoiding lawsuits against the estate. They are responsible for filing and paying all taxes that may be due on behalf of the deceased, such as income, estate, and inheritance taxes. Executors should also be sure to locate any creditors of the deceased and satisfy any debts or obligations owed. Another important responsibility of an executor is to locate and contact any potential heirs or beneficiaries of the deceased. They are then responsible for distributing any assets in accordance with the deceased’s wishes, while also managing any disputes between heirs or beneficiaries. Finally, they must file a final accounting with the court to detail all the transactions made involving the deceased’s assets, and ask the court for permission to close the estate. In short, an executor’s duties include but are not limited to gathering and safeguarding assets, managing debts and taxes, locating and notifying heirs, distributing assets, and filing a final accounting with the court. The role of an executor is complex and can be very time-consuming, so it’s important to be familiar with your state’s laws before accepting the responsibility.
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