Probate Law Terms and Definitions

Will
A legal document that directs where a person's property should go after that person dies.

Beneficiary
A person designated to receive the income or principal of a trust estate.

Health care directive
A legal document that lets others know one's wishes regarding medical care and treatment, funeral arrangements, organ donation, and other health care concerns.

Revocation
In terms of wills, the process or act of canceling or destroying an existing will.

Assets
All property owned by a person that can be used or made available to use in the payment of debts and heirs.

Decedent
A person who is deceased.

Probate
The process of settling your estate after you die, including paying creditors and heirs, and validating a will (if there is one).

Estate
All of the property owned by a person, including real estate and personal property.

Codicil
An amendment to a will. It is a separate document.

Joint tenancy
A property held in joint tenancy is owned by two or more people who have an undivided interest in the property, and the interest continues even after the other owners die.