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Today's Terms
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.
Devise
Definition:
A gift made by a will or a trust. A devise is made to a beneficiary under the terms of the will or trust.
Joint Tenancy
Definition:
Property owned by two or more people in a manner such that upon death of one of the joint owners, all of his/her interest in the property is transferred immediately, by operation of law, to the other surviving owners.
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