Probate is the court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid. It is the legal process wherein the estate of a decedent is administered.
Decedent is a person who has died.
Intestate is the legal term that refers to the estate of a deceased person who dies without leaving a will.
Testate is the legal term that refers to the estate of a deceased person who leaves a will.
Will is a written declaration of a person's wishes concerning the distribution of property standing in his or her name after death executed in accordance with specific legal procedures.
Executor is the legal term that refers to the person named in a will to manage and settle an estate and to carry out the directions and mandates of the decedent.
Fiduciary is the legal term that refers to an individual who holds property in a position of trust for another such as an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or conservator