testator

Definition of testator

Etymology

From Latin testator (“one who makes a will, in Late Latin also one who bears witness”), from testari (“to bear witness, make a will”).

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /tesˈteɪ.tɚ/, SAMPA: /tes"teI.t@(r)/

Noun

testator (plural testators)

1. (law) One who dies having made a legally valid will.

Further reading

A testator is a person who has written and executed a last will and testament that is in effect at the time of his/her death. It is any "person who makes a will."

Related terms

• A female testator is sometimes referred to as a testatrix, particularly in older cases.
• The adjectival form of the word is testamentary, as in:
  1. testamentary capacity - or mental capacity or ability to execute a will and
  2. testamentary disposition - or gift made in a will.
• A will is also known as a last will and testament.
• Testacy means the status of being testate, that is, having executed a will. The property of such a person goes through the probate process.
• Intestacy means the status of not having made a will, or to have died without a valid will. The estate of a person who dies intestate, undergoes administration, rather than probate.
• The attestation clause of a will is where the witnesses to a will attest to certain facts concerning the making of the will by the testator, and where they sign their names as witnesses.