The role of the trustee or executor is to exercise the wishes set out in the individual’s will. This may include:

1. Filing for probate

2. Paying the deceased’s debts

3. Contacting all beneficiaries

4. Distributing real property of the deceased

Somebody who is listed as a trustee under a will is not required to be the executor. As if they refuse there is usually a backup trustee for such a case.