What is one of the primary legal duties of an executor?

The primary legal duty of an executor is to manage the assets of the deceased and distribute the estate according to the terms outlined in the will. This responsibility encompasses a wide range of tasks, including collecting the deceased’s assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will. Executing these duties requires the executor to adhere to the legal framework set forth in estate law, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored and carried out accurately.

The other choices do not reflect the core responsibilities of an executor. While explaining the will to beneficiaries can be a helpful action, it is not a legal duty but rather a good practice to ensure clarity and understanding. Promoting the estate at a public auction is not typically an executor’s responsibility unless the will specifically involves this process. Challenging the will in court is counterproductive to an executor's role, as they are meant to uphold and enforce the provisions of the will rather than contest it.