As the executor of an estate you are not obligated to pay the obligations of the deceased from your own assets. You are obligated to pay the obligations of the estate and the deceased from the estate assets before any distribution to an heir or legatee. If you improperly distribute estate assets to an heir or legatee before paying a proper estate debt or creditor of the decedent you could be liable.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2015 at 2:26 PM