An executor cannot decide who gets what from an estate. Their primary responsibility is to follow the instructions laid out in the deceased person's will exactly as written, without changing any provisions or choosing beneficiaries themselves
. Executors must distribute assets according to the will after paying debts, taxes, and expenses, and they generally have no discretion to withhold distributions unless the will explicitly authorizes it (for example, if a beneficiary is a minor or incapacitated)
. While executors can decide the timing of distributions and manage the estate's administration, they cannot alter who receives what or transfer property to themselves without proper authorization
. If an executor attempts to change distributions, beneficiaries can challenge this in court, and the executor may be held liable for damages
. In summary, an executor acts as a facilitator to ensure the decedent's wishes are honored and does not have the authority to decide asset distribution beyond what the will specifies
