Wills Drafting Legal Terms and Legal Words. Wills & Probate Terminology

codicil

is a supplement to a will, either adding to, taking from or altering its provisions or confirming it in whole or in part by republication, but not totally revoking such will. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

devise

"Devise," when used as a noun, includes a testamentary disposition of real or personal property, or of both. When used as a verb, "devise" means to dispose of real or personal property, or of both, by will. (Texas Probate Code, Chapter I, Sec. 3. (h)) … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

devisee

Means a person designated in a will or trust to receive a devise, or bequest. In the case of a devise to an existing trust or trustee, or to a trust or trustee of a trust described by will, the trust or trustee, rather than the beneficiaries of the trust, is the devisee. (FL Probate Code, Part II, Sec. 731.110 (11)) … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

distributee

A distributee is a person entitled to take or share in the property of a decedent under a will or the statutes governing descent and distribution (NY EPTL, § 1-2.5) After a person dies without a Will (intestate) a letters of Administration are sent to a distributee by Probate Court. The following categories share in distribution of property: spouse … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

executor

The person named as executor in the decedent's will has the right to appointment as personal representative. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

next of kin

Next of Kin is a term used to describe person's closest living blood relative or relatives. Usually it is a child, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and so on. "Next of kin" includes an adopted child or his or her descendents and the adoptive parent of the adopted child. (Texas Probate Code). Generally speaking, spouses are not next of kin of each … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

Nuncupative Will

A will is nuncupative when it is unwritten, and the making thereof by the testator and its provisions are clearly established by at least two witnesses. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

testamentary

pertaining to a will. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate

testator

A testator is a person who has written and executed a last will and testament that is in effect at the time of his/her death. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Wills Drafting << Legal issue: Wills & Probate