What it is: the person named in a will to “execute” — manage — the deceased person’s final affairs: handle the paperwork, work with the court when necessary, pay outstanding bills, and make sure assets are distributed according to the will.
Think of the executor as the estate’s project manager. It is a position of significant responsibility — in Illinois, executors have a duty to act responsibly and in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. Choose someone organized; you can also name a backup. [VERIFY with firm]: whether Illinois requires the executor to be a resident or the process for filing the will.
What the job involves: opening the estate with the court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, filing final taxes, paying valid debts, and distributing what’s left. It can take months to over a year.
Watch out for: naming the wrong person is a common error — the eldest child by default, even if they live abroad or can’t handle paperwork. Pick competence and trust, and name alternates. An executor who mishandles funds can be held personally liable.