A will or testament is a legal document that explains the last wishes of someone after they die.[1] It is sometimes called a "last will and testament".[2]
A person writes a will and testament before they die, and usually writes what they want to happen to their estate (money and their things) after they die. A will may also provide for other issues including,
- Stating preferences for funeral arrangements,
- Designating a guardian for a minor child,
- Preventing will contests, and
- Making gifts to charities.[1]
When a person passes away, the person's will may be probated, meaning that a probate court will authorize a representative to carry out the deceased person's wishes.[3] Depending upon where probate occurs, the representative may be called a personal representative, executor or administrator.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Larson, Aaron. "Creating Your Last Will and Testament". ExpertLaw. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ↑ Dukeminier, Jesse; Sitkoff, Robert H. (2013). Wills, Trusts, and Estates (9 ed.). Aspen Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4548-2457-2.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "How the probate system works". New York Life. New York Life Insurance Co. Retrieved 7 June 2017.