Probate Glossary

Executor

A person named in a will to administer the estate.

Definition

An Executor is the individual nominated in a will to manage the probate process. After court appointment, the Executor generally serves as the Personal Representative of the estate.

Related Terms

personal-representativewillletters-testamentary

You May Also Want To Learn

Personal Representative
The person responsible for administering a probate estate.
Will
A legal document explaining how property should be distributed after death.
Letters Testamentary
Court-issued authority for an Executor named in a will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Executor and a Personal Representative?

An Executor is usually the person named in a will to administer the estate. Personal Representative is the broader court-appointed role used in many states for the person legally authorized to administer the estate.