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Decedent
A person who is deceased.
Probate
The process of settling your estate after you die, including paying creditors and heirs, and validating a will (if there is one).
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.
Property
The money a person has and the things a person owns.
Escheat to the state
When no heirs have made claims to either all or part of an estate, the state receives the unclaimed estate.
Health care directive
A legal document that lets others know one's wishes regarding medical care and treatment, funeral arrangements, organ donation, and other health care concerns.
Payable on death account (POD)
An account, such as a bank account, that is handed over to a specified person upon another person's death.
Jointly held bank account
A bank account that is held by two or more people each of whom has a right of survivorship.
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.
Codicil
An amendment to a will. It is a separate document.
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