What is the role of an executor in relation to a will?

The role of an executor in relation to a will is to carry out the requirements outlined in the will after the testator (the person who made the will) has passed away. This includes a range of responsibilities such as gathering and managing the deceased's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will. The executor serves as a fiduciary, meaning they have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. This role is crucial to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are honored and that the estate is settled in accordance with the law.

Other options describe different functions related to wills and estates but do not accurately define the responsibilities of an executor. Witnessing a will is a separate task that ensures the will is valid. Drafting a will is typically done by an attorney or the testator themselves, and managing the estate after a will is executed generally falls within the scope of the executor's duties. However, the executor's primary role centers on executing the provisions of the will.