Legal Glossary
Key terms and definitions related to probate and estate administration
The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, including validating their will if one exists.
A person named in a will to manage the deceased person's estate and carry out the instructions of the will.
A legal document that confirms the executor's authority to manage the estate of a deceased person.
A legal document issued when someone dies without a will, giving the administrator authority to manage the estate.
A tax levied on the estate of a deceased person if the value of the estate exceeds a certain threshold.
The total of all possessions, property, and debts left behind when someone dies.
The condition of dying without a valid will.
A person appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who died without a will (intestate).
A person or entity named in a will or trust to receive assets or property from the deceased's estate.
A legal document that amends, rather than replaces, a previously executed will.
The portion of the estate that remains after all specific gifts, debts, and expenses have been paid.
A legal document giving one person (the agent) the power to act for another person (the principal).
A document that specifies a person's wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become incapacitated.
The person who has written and executed a will.
A gift of personal property or money to a beneficiary through a will.