Q: My question would be What is the difference between power of attorney and an executor of the estate?

A: A POA is a legal instrument that appoints another person to act as the "attorney-in-fact" or agent of the person creating the POA (the "principal"), who can do things in the name of the principal as if they were the principal, to the extent set forth in the POA. The POA is only effective while the principal is living. The POA terminates, and the agent named in it ceases to be able to act under it, upon the death of the principal.

An executor of an estate (also known as "personal representative") is the person appointed under a will and approved by the court (or in the absence of a will, appointed by the court upon petition), to administer the estate of a deceased person, gather the assets, account to the probate court, and distribute the assets to the decedent's heirs as directed by the will, or in case there is no will, in accordance with the laws of intestate succession. An executor has no powers to act during the lifetime of the person who appointed them in their will, since obviously, the maker of the will is not dead and there is no estate to administer.

A: A Power of Attorney gives someone else rights to manage financial affairs and property while the planner is LIVING.

In contrast, an Executor (Personal Representative) is appointed to manage the financial affairs and property after the planner dies.

While not legal advice, I hope that this general information helps!