Who is responsible for administering a testate estate?

The executor named in the will holds the responsibility for administering a testate estate. This role involves several key duties that include managing the decedent's assets, ensuring that debts and taxes are paid, and distributing the remaining property according to the terms set forth in the will.

The executor's responsibilities are crucial as they serve as the legal representative of the estate, and they must act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. This individual is typically designated in the will by the testator, reflecting the testator's trust and confidence in their ability to handle these complex tasks.

In contrast, the other choices lack the authority or responsibility typically associated with estate administration. The court clerk facilitates court procedures but does not have a role in managing the estate itself. Friends of the testator may offer support but are not legally obligated to manage the estate. Similarly, while beneficiaries have a vested interest in the outcome of the estate's administration, they do not have the power to administer the estate unless they are named as executors.