A fuller guide to this term is on the way. In the meantime, the related terms below explain the ideas around it.
Related MoneyPedia terms
- WillA legal document that spells out who gets your property and who cares for your children after you die.
- ProbateThe court process that validates a will, pays debts, and distributes property after someone dies.
- AdministratorA person the court appoints to settle an estate when there is no valid will or named executor.
- EstateEverything you own at death, including money, property, and belongings, minus what you owe.
- TestatorThe person who makes a will and whose wishes it records for distributing their property after death.
- HeirA person legally entitled to inherit from someone who dies, especially when there is no will.
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Plain-English education — not personalized legal, tax, or investment advice.