Terminology Flashcards
Decedent
Dead person
Will
Legal document used to dispose of decedent’s property
Testate
Decedent died with a will
Intestate
Decedent died without a will
Codicil
Supplement that either amends or revokes decedent’s will in whole or in part
Probate
Judicial process for administering and settling a decedent’s estate
Intestate Succession
Default estate plan for distributing property when decedent dies intestate
Developed by the legislature
Heirs
Individuals entitled to receive property by intestate succession
Spouse
Decedent’s marital partner
Does not include unmarried cohabitants
Issue/Descendents
Decedent’s lineal line
Ex: Decedent’s kids, Kid’s kids, etc.
Ancestors
Decedent’s parental line
Ex: parents, grandparents, etc.