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Decedent
A person who is deceased.
Power of attorney
A legal agreement that authorizes someone to handle or share in handling the financial matters of another person. A "durable" power of attorney can continue to give power to another in handling financial matters after incapacitation has occurred.
Heir
Those persons, including a spouse who are entitled to the property of a decedent when the decedent has left no valid will.
Conservator
A person or entity who is appointed by the court to exercise certain powers for the care of an incapacitated person, the person's estate, or both.
Guardian
A person or entity who is appointed by the court to exercise many powers for the care of an incapacitated person, the person's estate, or both.
Beneficiary
A person designated to receive the income or principal of a trust estate.
Probate
The process of settling your estate after you die, including paying creditors and heirs, and validating a will (if there is one).
Will
A legal document that directs where a person's property should go after that person dies.
Revocation
In terms of wills, the process or act of canceling or destroying an existing will.
Escheat to the state
When no heirs have made claims to either all or part of an estate, the state receives the unclaimed estate.
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