The person appointed to handle the settlement of an estate is the « liquidator ». That person can be identified in the will or appointed by the heirs. Many individuals can share the responsibility if so stated in the will. There is no obligation to accept this responsibility, even if the liquidator is specifically named in the will of the deceased. It is also possible to appoint a notary, a lawyer, or an accountant to handle the settlement of the estate. However, only a notary or a lawyer can provide legal advice on the settlement of an estate.