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Estate settlementEstate glossary

Estate glossary

Estate settlement glossary

Ten plain-language estate definitions with clear boundaries and one path to the guide that owns the complete subject.

Short answer

This glossary provides short, bounded definitions and then routes each term to the existing guide that owns the larger decision.

Start here: Find the exact term, read what it means and does not mean, then continue to its owner guide only when the broader decision matters.

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On this page

Find the exact term

These pages clarify vocabulary without duplicating full estate guides. A definition explains the word, what it does not prove, and where to continue if the broader decision matters.

Creditor claimA bill or collection letter can be evidence of a claimed debt, but it is not automatically a correctly filed or correctly prioritized estate claim.Read definition →Date-of-death valueIt fixes the valuation date; it does not tell you which source or appraisal method is appropriate for every asset.Read definition →DecedentWhen a form asks for the decedent, it means the person whose estate is involved—not the executor, beneficiary, or person completing the form.Read definition →DeviseeThe word points to a gift made through a will, while heir points to inheritance under intestacy law.Read definition →Estate accountingIt explains what entered the representative's control, what changed, what was paid or distributed, and what remains.Read definition →Fiduciary dutyFor an estate representative, that generally means acting carefully, loyally, impartially where required, and with a usable record of decisions and transactions.Read definition →HeirHeir is a legal relationship created by state succession rules; it is not simply another word for relative or beneficiary.Read definition →Intestate successionThe responsible state's law determines the eligible relatives and shares after the relevant family relationships and property are established.Read definition →Personal representativeIt is an umbrella term for the person handling the estate in an authorized capacity.Read definition →Residuary estateA residuary clause answers who receives the remaining estate rather than listing every remaining item individually.Read definition →

Why the list is intentionally small

Terms already owned by complete guides—such as probate, executor, small-estate affidavit, Form 1041, inherited IRA, and letters testamentary—are not reproduced as competing glossary pages. The glossary expands only when a definition has separate intent and a clear owner page.

Definitions do not decide a case

The meaning and effect of legal, tax, court, and account language can vary by jurisdiction and document. Use the linked owner guide and the responsible authority before acting.

Official references

Responsible court, agency and official-service links are presented beside the action or claim they support. Use the checked date shown on the page and verify the live authority again before acting.

Read the research, jurisdiction and correction policy.

The decision at the end of this page

Use definitions to improve the next decision

A term page should clarify language and then return you to the page that owns the complete subject.

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Common questions

Quick answers

How do I find the exact term?

These pages clarify vocabulary without duplicating full estate guides. A definition explains the word, what it does not prove, and where to continue if the broader decision matters.

Why the list is intentionally small?

Terms already owned by complete guides—such as probate, executor, small-estate affidavit, Form 1041, inherited IRA, and letters testamentary—are not reproduced as competing glossary pages. The glossary expands only when a definition has separate intent and a clear owner page.

What should I know about definitions do not decide a case?

The meaning and effect of legal, tax, court, and account language can vary by jurisdiction and document. Use the linked owner guide and the responsible authority before acting.

Keep going
Creditor claim A bill or collection letter can be evidence of a claimed debt, but it is not automatically a correctly filed or correctly prioritized estate claim. Read definitionOpen this guide or toolDate-of-death value It fixes the valuation date; it does not tell you which source or appraisal method is appropriate for every asset. Read definitionOpen this guide or toolDecedent When a form asks for the decedent, it means the person whose estate is involved—not the executor, beneficiary, or person completing the form. Read definitionOpen this guide or tool