Chapter 40: Wills and Inteststacy

I. Basic Terms of the Will

1. Executor/Executrix– Male/Female who are sworn to administer all the terms set forth in a will.
2. Testator/Testatrix- Male/Female who creates the will
3. Decedent- Person who has passed away.
4. Bequest- To express the clear intention of the disposition of  item of an estate to a beneficiary.
5. Beneficiary- anyone legally named in a will that will receive a benefit.
6. Heirs- Anyone related by blood to the decedent.

II. Formal Requirements

1. Be in writing
2. Be witnessed by at least 3 individuals who are not beneficiaries.
3. Oral Exception: NUNCUPATIVE will- In emergency situations (soldier at war) an oral will can be made distributing only personal property.
4. Wills can be handwritten- Holographic will, transfers only personal property.