A testator () is a person who has written and executed a last will and testament that is in effect at the time of their death.[1] It is any "person who makes a will."[2]
- A female testator is sometimes referred to as a testatrix (), plural testatrices (), particularly in older cases.[2]
- In Ahmadiyya Islam, a testator is referred to as a moosi,[3] who is someone that has signed up for Wasiyyat or a will, under the plan initiated by the Promised Messiah, thus committing a portion, not less than one-tenth, of his lifetime earnings and any property to a cause.
- The adjectival form of the word is testamentary, as in:
- Testamentary capacity, or mental capacity or ability to execute a will and
- Testamentary disposition, or gift made in a will (see that article for types).
- Testamentary trust, a trust that is created in a will.
- A will is also known as a last will and testament.
- Testacy means the status of being testate, that is, having executed a will. The property of such a person goes through the probate process.
- Intestacy means the status of not having made a will, or to have died without a valid will. The estate of a person who dies intestate, undergoes administration, rather than probate.
- The attestation clause of a will is where the witnesses to a will attest to certain facts concerning the making of the will by the testator, and where they sign their names as witnesses.
Gordon Brown, Administration of Wills, Trusts, and Estates, 3d ed. (2003), p. 556. ISBN 0-7668-5281-4.
