What is an executor or trix in a will?

Answer 1

Executrix is an archaic form of the word executor that indicated a female estate representative. Modern cultures recognize there is no need to identify the gender of the estate representative. It serves no purpose. Therefore, executor is the correct term for either a male of female estate representative since it is their task that defines them and not their gender. The executor is the person or other entity such as a bank who is appointed by the probate court to settle an estate as provided in the decedent's will. The executor has sole power and responsibility over the estate but they are subject to state laws and the probate court.

The duties of the Executor are too broad to write them all in this forum and they vary from state to state. Briefly, the general duties are the following:

• Safeguard the assets, changing locks if necessary until the will is presented for probate
• Select the attorney who will handle the estate
• Submit the will for allowance and petition for appointment as executor
• Publish notice and notifies heirs at law and beneficiaries
• (Once appointed) Open an estate account if necessary
• Assemble, Inventory and take custody of assets
• Notify Social Security and insurance companies of the death
• Pay the debts of the estate according to statutory priority
• Administer the estate according to the provisions of the will and state law
• File the estate tax return
• Distribute the estate
• File the final account