What is the typical role of an executor in the context of a will?

The typical role of an executor in the context of a will is to distribute the estate as per the will's instructions. An executor is responsible for ensuring that the deceased's wishes, as outlined in the will, are fulfilled. This includes gathering the deceased's assets, settling any outstanding debts and obligations, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms specified in the will. The executor acts as a fiduciary, meaning they are required to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, ensuring that the process is handled fairly and properly in accordance with the law.

Other options don't align with the typical responsibilities of an executor. For instance, contesting the will's validity suggests an adversarial role, which is not the executor's function unless they are also a party with a valid claim. Managing unrelated financial investments falls outside the executor's duties unless those investments are part of the estate. Similarly, representing the estate in criminal matters is not a typical role for an executor, as their focus is on the administration of the estate rather than involvement in legal disputes or criminal cases.