Proxy vs. Executor: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
A proxy acts on behalf of another person in a specific context, often temporarily, while an executor is a person designated to carry out the terms of a will after someone's death. Proxy represents; executor administers.
Key Differences
A proxy is someone designated to represent or act for another, often in a specific setting like voting or decision-making. This role is generally temporary and limited to particular circumstances. An executor, on the other hand, is someone specifically named in a will to carry out the wishes of a deceased person. This is often a more complex and longer-term responsibility, entailing legal and financial obligations.
The term proxy can be used in different contexts, such as internet proxy servers that act as an intermediary for requests from clients, or proxy voting in corporations. Executors are specific to the realm of estate planning and wills. While proxies often have more limited, specialized tasks, executors oversee the comprehensive settlement of an estate.
When someone serves as a proxy, they are generally carrying out specific tasks or making certain decisions as defined by the person they represent. The authority is usually restricted and revocable. Executors, however, have a set of duties that can include selling property, paying debts, and distributing assets, among other tasks. They are legally bound to act in the best interests of the estate.
Proxies usually do not have the power to make overarching decisions about someone’s life or assets. Their roles are more circumstantial and can even be non-personal, as in the case of digital or web proxies. Executors deal directly with an individual's assets and liabilities, and their actions have long-term consequences. They are usually trusted individuals who have been chosen to manage complex responsibilities.
Comparison Chart
Function
Represents
Administers
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Duration
Often temporary
Typically longer-term
Context
Various
Estate planning, wills
Authority Scope
Limited
Comprehensive
Legal Obligation
Varies
High, legally binding
Proxy and Executor Definitions
Proxy
A person representing another
He served as her proxy in the board meeting.
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Executor
Financial manager of an estate
The executor is responsible for settling any debts.
Proxy
An intermediary server
The proxy server filters web content.
Executor
Will administrator
As the executor, he must distribute the assets.
Proxy
Substitute or stand-in
He was a proxy for the missing team leader.
Executor
Person responsible for fulfilling a deceased's wishes
The executor has a duty to carry out the will’s terms.
Proxy
Written authorization
She gave written proxy to act on her behalf.
Executor
Legal representative
The executor represents the estate in legal matters.
Proxy
One appointed or authorized to act for another, especially a person appointed to vote as one wishes at a meeting.
Executor
Overseer of asset distribution
As executor, she must ensure fair asset allocation.
Proxy
The authority to act for another.
Executor
(Law) A person who is appointed by a testator to execute the testator's will.
Proxy
The written authorization to act in place of another.
Executor
A person who carries out or performs something.
Proxy
An entity or variable used to model or generate data assumed to resemble the data associated with another entity or variable that is typically more difficult to research.
Executor
A person who carries out some task.
Proxy
(Computers) A server that processes requests and forwards information between a client and another server.
Executor
(computing) A component of a system that executes or runs something.
Proxy
Used as a proxy or acting as a proxy.
A proxy indicator
A proxy measurement
Executor
(legal) Someone appointed by a testator to administer a will; an administrator.
Literary executor
Proxy
An agent or substitute authorized to act for another person.
Executor
(obsolete) An executioner.
Proxy
The authority to act for another, especially when written.
Executor
One who executes or performs; a doer; as, an executor of baseness.
Proxy
The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts
Executor
An executioner.
Delivering o'er to executors paw The lazy, yawning drone.
Proxy
(sciences) A measurement of one physical quantity that is used as an indicator of the value of another
Executor
The person appointed by a testator to execute his will, or to see its provisions carried into effect, after his decease.
Proxy
(software) An interface for a service, especially for one that is remote, resource-intensive, or otherwise difficult to use directly.
Executor
A person appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of the will
Proxy
A proximity mine; a mine that explodes when something approaches within a certain distance.
Proxy
To serve as a proxy for.
Proxy
(networking) To function as a server for a client device, but pass on the requests to another server for service.
Proxy
The agency for another who acts through the agent; authority to act for another, esp. to vote in a legislative or corporate capacity.
I have no man's proxy: I speak only for myself.
Proxy
The person who is substituted or deputed to act or vote for another.
Every peer . . . may make another lord of parliament his proxy, to vote for him in his absence.
Proxy
A writing by which one person authorizes another to vote in his stead, as in a corporation meeting.
Proxy
The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts.
Proxy
See Procuration.
Proxy
To act or vote by proxy; to do anything by the agency of another.
Proxy
A person authorized to act for another
Proxy
A power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting
Proxy
Acting agent
She was the proxy designated to cast votes.
FAQs
Can a proxy make long-term decisions?
Generally, a proxy's authority is limited and often temporary.
Can you have multiple proxies?
Yes, you can have different proxies for different purposes.
Is a proxy always a person?
No, a proxy can also refer to an intermediary server in a digital context.
Can a proxy be digital?
Yes, proxies can be digital, like web proxy servers.
Is an executor's role legally binding?
Yes, an executor has a legally binding responsibility to the estate.
Is a proxy revocable?
Usually, the authority given to a proxy is revocable.
Can an executor decline the role?
Yes, an appointed executor can decline and a substitute may be appointed.
Is a proxy always temporary?
Often, but not always; the duration is usually defined by the person giving the proxy.
What is the main responsibility of an executor?
The executor is responsible for administering a deceased person's will and estate.
Does an executor need to be a legal expert?
No, but they often consult legal professionals during estate administration.
Can an estate have more than one executor?
Yes, a will can name co-executors to share responsibilities.
What happens if an executor fails in their duties?
An executor can be held legally accountable for mismanagement of the estate.
Can a proxy vote on someone’s behalf?
Yes, proxies can be used for voting in various settings.
Do proxies have legal responsibilities?
Their legal responsibilities depend on the specific circumstances and the authority given.
Are executors paid for their services?
Executors are often entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
