Who may be appointed to handle an estate proceeding?
What are the duties and responsibilities of executors and administrators handling an estate?
Answer
If there is a will, the person named as Executor or, if that person is deceased or unable to act, the person named as Successor Executor. If there is no will, a person who qualifies under the laws of intestacy to serve as the Administrator. An Executor or Administrator serves as a fiduciary. The duties and obligations of an executor are listed in article 11 of the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law. A voluntary administration for a small estate has the same powers and duties of an executor including the requirements listed in Surrogate's Court Procedure Act 1306 and 1307.