Witness
A legally required person to watch a document being signed, to assure it is signed by the people it is said to be signed by
Columbia Law School Admins
Will
Directions on who to give the Decedent’s assets to after they die
Trust
An alternative to a will. Trusts may provide an advantage over wills in terms of tax and complex distribution of assets. However, they require professional assistance and can be complicated to assemble. Trusts are certainly recommended for large estates.
Testator
A person who makes a will
Testate
A person who has died leaving directions for their assets
Power of Attorney
An authorization to act as a person’s agent (as if they acted). A Power of Attorney can be specifically about one task, or general.
Intestate
A person who dies without making a will
Executor
A person appointed by the now-deceased to carry out their wishes, including distributing the property of the estate
Escheat
When the state receives property because no person or institution is legally able to
Decedent
The person who has died