Proxy vs. Executor — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
A proxy is a representative authorized to act for another; an executor is a person named to administer a deceased's estate.
Difference Between Proxy and Executor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A proxy generally pertains to a person or entity that represents another, especially in a voting context. This means that when an individual cannot be present for a decision-making event, a proxy can step in to make choices on their behalf. In contrast, an executor is specifically appointed to manage the affairs and ensure the proper distribution of assets and payment of debts of a person who has passed away.
When considering the authority a proxy holds, it's often limited to specific actions or decisions and can be temporary. For instance, in shareholder meetings, a shareholder might assign a proxy to vote on their behalf. An executor, however, has a broader responsibility, encompassing everything related to the deceased's estate, from settling debts to distributing assets according to the will.
The term "proxy" can also extend beyond human representatives. In technology, for example, a proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user's computer and the internet, filtering requests and responses. The executor remains human-centric, focusing on the legal and administrative duties associated with an individual's last wishes.
In legal contexts, a proxy might require specific documentation or formalities to act on behalf of another, especially in scenarios like medical decisions. An executor, meanwhile, derives their authority from a will, where the deceased explicitly names them to manage their estate.
To summarize, while both proxy and executor serve representative roles, a proxy often has narrower, specific duties or acts as an intermediary, whereas an executor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a deceased person's estate.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Role
Representative for specific actions
Administrator of a deceased's estate
Duration
Can be temporary
Lasts until the estate's matters are settled
Source of Authority
Assignment or designation
Will of the deceased
Scope
Specific tasks or decisions
Broad duties related to the estate
Common Contexts
Voting, technology, medical decisions
Will execution, legal proceedings, asset distribution
Compare with Definitions
Proxy
A document authorizing someone to vote on another's behalf
He sent in his proxy for the annual shareholder meeting.
Executor
A manager of financial and legal matters post-death
The family relied on the executor to handle all estate affairs.
Proxy
A server that acts as an intermediary for requests
The company uses a proxy server for security reasons.
Executor
A person who produces a specific effect or result
The machine acted as a rapid executor of tasks.
Proxy
A substitute or stand-in
The assistant acted as a proxy for the manager during her absence.
Executor
A person who enacts or puts into effect
He was the executor of the new policy changes.
Proxy
A person authorized to act on behalf of another
She served as his proxy at the board meeting.
Executor
A person responsible for carrying out the terms of a will
The lawyer advised her to choose a trustworthy executor.
Proxy
A figure used to represent something
The test scores serve as a proxy for student achievement.
Executor
A person or institution appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of their will
The executors of the late John B. Smith
Hugh appointed him an executor of his will
Proxy
One appointed or authorized to act for another, especially a person appointed to vote as one wishes at a meeting.
Executor
An executor is someone who is responsible for executing, or following through on, an assigned task or duty. The feminine form, executrix, may sometimes be used.
Proxy
The authority to act for another.
Executor
A person who produces something or puts something into effect
The makers and executors of policy
Proxy
The written authorization to act in place of another.
Executor
(Law) A person who is appointed by a testator to execute the testator's will.
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 or performs something.
Proxy
(Computers) A server that processes requests and forwards information between a client and another server.
Executor
A person who carries out some task.
Proxy
Used as a proxy or acting as a proxy.
A proxy indicator
A proxy measurement
Executor
(computing) A component of a system that executes or runs something.
Proxy
An agent or substitute authorized to act for another person.
Executor
(legal) Someone appointed by a testator to administer a will; an administrator.
Literary executor
Proxy
The authority to act for another, especially when written.
Executor
(obsolete) An executioner.
Proxy
The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts
Executor
One who executes or performs; a doer; as, an executor of baseness.
Proxy
(sciences) A measurement of one physical quantity that is used as an indicator of the value of another
Executor
An executioner.
Delivering o'er to executors paw The lazy, yawning drone.
Proxy
(software) An interface for a service, especially for one that is remote, resource-intensive, or otherwise difficult to use directly.
Executor
The person appointed by a testator to execute his will, or to see its provisions carried into effect, after his decease.
Proxy
A proximity mine; a mine that explodes when something approaches within a certain distance.
Executor
A person appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of the will
Proxy
To serve as a proxy for.
Executor
A person appointed to administer a deceased's estate
As the executor, John had to distribute his grandmother's assets.
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
Common Curiosities
Can an executor be a family member?
Yes, an executor can be a family member, friend, or professional.
How is an executor chosen?
An executor is typically named in a person's will.
Is a proxy always a person?
No, a proxy can also refer to things like servers or stand-ins for data.
What is the primary function of a proxy?
A proxy acts on behalf of another, often for specific tasks like voting.
Is a power of attorney the same as a proxy?
No, while both allow representation, a power of attorney has broader legal authority than a typical proxy.
What if there's a dispute about an executor's decisions?
Disputes can be settled in probate court or through mediation.
Can there be multiple proxies for one person?
Yes, a person can designate multiple proxies for different purposes or decisions.
Can a proxy decision be overruled?
Depending on the terms, a proxy's decision may be challenged or overruled.
Does an executor get paid for their duties?
Yes, executors often receive compensation from the estate for their work.
What happens if an executor cannot fulfill their role?
If an executor cannot or will not serve, a backup (alternate) executor may take over, or the court can appoint one.
Can a proxy role be revoked?
Yes, the person who granted the proxy can typically revoke it.
Can a proxy be used in medical decisions?
Yes, a medical proxy can make decisions on behalf of someone unable to do so themselves.
How long does an executor role last?
The executor's role lasts until all estate affairs are settled.
Can an executor sell the deceased's property?
Yes, if required for paying debts or if authorized by the will.
Is a proxy the same in all contexts?
No, the role and scope of a proxy can vary based on context, such as voting or technology.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
