Legal Definitions - EXRX

EXRX is an abbreviation for EXECUTRIX.

An executrix is a legal term for a woman who has been named in a deceased person's will to manage their estate. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the wishes outlined in the will are carried out. This typically involves collecting the deceased person's assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributing the remaining property to the designated beneficiaries.

Here are some examples to illustrate the role of an executrix:

• Example 1: Managing a Family Estate

  When Mrs. Eleanor Vance passed away, her will named her eldest daughter, Sarah, as the executrix of her estate. Sarah's duties included gathering all of her mother's financial documents, selling a small vacation home, paying off the remaining mortgage and credit card debts, and then distributing the remaining funds and personal belongings to her siblings as specified in the will. Sarah, in her role as executrix, was responsible for ensuring all these tasks were completed legally and efficiently according to her mother's final wishes.

• Example 2: A Professional Appointment

  Mr. David Chen, a wealthy art collector with no immediate family, appointed his long-time attorney, Ms. Emily Rodriguez, as the executrix in his will. Given the complexity of his estate, which included a valuable art collection, multiple properties, and various investment portfolios, Ms. Rodriguez's role as executrix involved overseeing the appraisal and sale of the art, managing the liquidation of real estate, handling significant tax obligations, and ensuring that the proceeds were distributed to the several charitable organizations Mr. Chen had designated as beneficiaries. Her professional expertise was crucial in navigating the intricate details of the estate.

• Example 3: Dual Role as Beneficiary and Executrix

  After her husband, Robert, passed away, Maria discovered that his will named her as both the primary beneficiary and the executrix of his estate. In her capacity as executrix, Maria was responsible for formally probating the will, consolidating Robert's bank accounts, settling his final medical bills, and transferring the ownership of their shared home and other assets into her name, as per the will's instructions. Even though she was also the main recipient of the estate, she still had the legal obligation as executrix to perform these administrative and legal duties to properly close out his financial affairs.