New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What role does an executor play in legal terms?

1. A person managing a trust fund

2. A person appointed to carry out the provisions of a will

3. A legal advisor to the testator

4. A representative in a court trial

The correct answer is: A person appointed to carry out the provisions of a will

An executor plays a crucial role in the administration of a deceased person's estate. Specifically, the executor is the individual appointed in a will to carry out the provisions outlined in that document. This includes tasks such as collecting the deceased's assets, paying any debts or taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will. The executor has a fiduciary duty, meaning they are legally obligated to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, ensuring that all actions taken are in accordance with the law and the wishes of the deceased. In comparison, the other roles mentioned are distinct and do not accurately define the function of an executor. Managing a trust fund typically requires a trustee, while the role of a legal advisor to the testator involves providing legal counsel before death, which is not the responsibility of an executor. Additionally, a representative in a court trial refers to someone who advocates in a legal proceeding, but an executor specifically deals with the administration of an estate and not courtroom representation. Hence, the definition of an executor as a person appointed to carry out the provisions of a will is the most accurate and complete.