The duties of the Executor are too broad to write them all in this forum and they vary from state to state. Briefly, the general duties are the following:
- Safeguard the assets, changing locks if necessary until the will is presented for probate
- Select the attorney who will handle the estate
- Submit the will for allowance and petition for appointment as executor
- Publish notice and notifies heirs at law and beneficiaries
- (Once appointed) Open an estate account if necessary
- Assemble, Inventory and take custody of assets
- Notify Social Security and insurance companies of the death
- Pay the debts of the estate according to statutory priority
- Administer the estate according to the provisions of the will and state law
- File the estate tax return
- Distribute the estate
- File the final account