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Today's Terms
Estate
Definition:
The total of all assets, all debts and other obligations of an individual. At the time of death the total amount of benefits (life insurance, annuity and retirement benefits) to be paid to beneficiaries are often also considered part of the estate for Federal Estate Tax purposes
Probate
Definition:
The process through which the legal title to property is transferred from a decedent to the beneficiaries. If a person dies with a will (testate), the probate court determines if the will is valid, hears any objections to the will, orders that creditors be paid and supervises the process to assure that property is distributed by the Personal Representative or Executor according to the terms of the will. If a person dies without a will (intestate) the probate court appoints an Administrator who receives all claims, pays creditors, and then distributes all property according to the laws of the state.
Fiduciary
Definition:
A person in whom one places great confidence in and upon whom one relies for his or her integrity, trust, and good faith. A fiduciary has the legal duty to act in the best interest and benefit of another and therefore is held to the very highest legal standards. A trustee is a fiduciary.
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State Statutes Resource Center