Who is responsible for the execution of the tasks outlined in a will?

The correct answer is the executor, who is specifically designated in a will to manage the estate of the deceased and ensure that the terms of the will are carried out. This includes tasks such as paying debts, managing estate assets, and distributing property to the beneficiaries as stipulated in the will. The executor must act in the best interests of the estate and follow the legal processes to validate the will in probate court.

An executor typically has a fiduciary duty to act honestly and prudently, which means they are responsible for making important decisions regarding the estate and must keep accurate records of all transactions related to the estate's assets. Their role is crucial to the entire probate process, as they serve as the legal representative of the deceased.

Other roles mentioned, like the beneficiary, administrator, and custodian, have different responsibilities. Beneficiaries are individuals or entities that receive assets from the estate but do not manage the estate's administration. An administrator is appointed in the absence of an executor, often when there is no will or the executor cannot fulfill their duties, while a custodian generally refers to someone who holds or manages property or assets but is not involved in the execution of will tasks.