Glossary of Terms
Administrator
The person who administers a decedent’s estate when there is no will.
Administrator with Will Annexed
The person, other than an Executor, who administers a decedent’s estate when there is a Will (the Will fails to name an Executor or the named Executor cannot or will not serve).
Decedent
The deceased person.
Executor
The person who administers a decedent’s estate when there is a Will.
Heirs
Those persons who would inherit the estate of a decedent if there were no Will under the rules of descent and distribution. "Heir" does not mean the same thing as "beneficiary", although an heir may also be a beneficiary.
Intestate
Without a Will.
Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration
The official document issued by the Probate Court evidencing the authority of an executor or an administrator.
Personal Representative
Any executor, administrator, guardian or trustee, but not a temporary administrator.
Probate
The court procedure by which a Will is proved to be the valid last Will of a decedent; also used generically to refer to the legal process of administering a decedent’s estate.
Probate Court
The Court having jurisdiction over proceedings to administer the estate of a decedent; also has other jurisdiction.
Proceeding Pro Se
Representing yourself in court without an attorney
Testator
A person who has made a Will.
Will
A document, signed with the formalities required by Georgia law, by which a person makes disposition of his property, to take effect after his death.
