Which individual is responsible for carrying out the directions specified in a will?

The individual responsible for carrying out the directions specified in a will is the executor. This person is appointed by the deceased, known as the testator, to administer their estate according to the wishes laid out in the will. The executor's duties include collecting and managing the decedent's assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the heirs as specified in the will.

This role is significant because it ensures that the wishes of the deceased are honored and that the probate process is handled correctly. The executor has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, which includes being impartial and transparent throughout the process.

While a trustee manages a trust, a guardian looks after the interests of minor children or dependents, and heirs are beneficiaries who receive assets from the estate, none of these roles fulfill the specific function of executing the will as designated by the deceased. Thus, the executor's role is distinct and critical in the context of estate administration.