Which document officially authorizes an executor to act on behalf of a deceased estate?

The will of the deceased officially authorizes an executor to act on behalf of the estate. When an individual creates a will, they designate an executor—someone who is responsible for managing and distributing their assets after death according to their wishes. This designation is a critical part of the probate process, as the will must be validated by a court before the executor can assume their duties. The executor acts as the representative of the estate, ensuring that debts are settled and assets are distributed in accordance with the deceased's intentions as outlined in the will.

Other documents, while relevant in various contexts, do not provide the same authority. A living will pertains to medical decisions and does not deal with estate management. A power of attorney is a legal document that grants an individual the authority to act on another person's behalf in various matters, but it is typically effective only while the person is alive. A court order may grant authority in specific cases, but the foundational authority to act as executor stems from the designation in the deceased's will.