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What does an executor do?

Short answer

They collect and protect the assets, notify heirs and creditors, pay debts and taxes from the estate, distribute what’s left, and report to the court.

Rules differ by state. This is general information, not legal or professional advice.

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Official sources

National Center for State Courtsncsc.org
IRS: filing for a deceased personirs.gov
FTC consumer advice: debts and deceased relativesconsumer.ftc.gov