What an executor does
The executor of a will carries out the wishes of someone who has died. Find out what the responsibilities of an executor are.
The role of the executor is to manage the estate within the terms of the will and to protect the assets of the estate.
Executors are named in the will, and their responsibilities include:
- finding the will
- making funeral arrangements
- arranging burial or cremation
- getting the death certificate
- listing assets and liabilities
- protecting assets, business interests, and property
- assessing the value of the deceased's assets
- obtaining probate (if required)
- paying the person’s debts, income tax, duties and funeral costs
- distributing the assets according to the terms of the will.
Learn more about the role of executor at NSW State Library.