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Decedent
A person who is deceased.
Heir
Those persons, including a spouse who are entitled to the property of a decedent when the decedent has left no valid 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.
Revocation
In terms of wills, the process or act of canceling or destroying an existing will.
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.
Living Trust
A living trust is an estate planning device that allows a person to transfer assets to one or more persons before and after they die.
Personal representative
The person responsible for the administration of an estate. This includes paying creditors and heirs.
Codicil
An amendment to a will. It is a separate document.
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.
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.
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