Do executors have to follow a will?

Yes, executors are legally obligated to follow the instructions and provisions outlined in a valid will. The role of an executor is to carry out the wishes of the deceased person as expressed in the will. They have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and the beneficiaries. This includes managing the estate, paying debts and taxes, protecting assets, and distributing the estate’s assets according to the instructions specified in the will. Deviating from the terms of the will without proper legal justification would be a breach of the executor’s duties and could lead to legal consequences.