Someone has asked me to be an executor of his will. He tells me that there will be enough in the "estate" to cover expenses for the funeral, cemetery expenses, and stone. But HE HAS NO ESTATE!- other than the items in his rental apartment which will not pay for much. He has no assets, savings, and does not own his car. He said he does have a "death benefit" policy but says I should use his "estate." I am quite confused as to how I can pay for his funeral and expenses from such an "estate!" Any suggestions?

Thank you

... I am quite confused as to how I can pay for his funeral and expenses from such an "estate!" Any suggestions? ...

Now is the time to get un-confused by asking him to explain.

It appears that the "'death benefit' policy" is the only asset. What is the death benefit amount? And the beneficiary is his estate (as opposed to some named person)?

It appears that there will (assuming he is about to die) be no need to open a probate estate. I would ask the life insurance company about how to structure the policy so that it would be payable directly to you so that you can immediately pay the last expenses.