An Executor, a person named by the deceased in their Will as “Executor”, is responsible for managing the financial affairs of a deceased, finding out what it is, and carrying out he terms of the Will so far as the Law will allow.
The State will intervene to make sure that taxes are paid first, creditors will press their claims, and beneficiaries will make demands. At times, then, this responsibility becomes burdensome, which is why an Executor named in a Will is allowed to refuse the appointment at the outset.
But once an Executor starts to manage the estate, they will have passed the point of no return, and will not be allowed to give up. If the administration becomes, or looks to be difficult, please seek advice.