Property and legal
What is the difference between an executor and a trustee?
Short answer
An executor is appointed by the court to administer an estate through probate. A trustee manages assets held in a trust — no court needed. The same person can be both, but they are legally distinct roles.
What this usually means
An executor is appointed by the court to administer an estate through probate. A trustee manages assets held in a trust — no court needed. The same person can be both, but they are legally distinct roles.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.