Glossary

Conservator
A person or entity appointed by the court to manage the financial affairs of a protected individual (either an adult or minor)

Conservatorship
A type of probate matter in which a conservator is appointed for a protected individual (either adult or minor)

Decedent
A person who is no longer living.

Devise
To give or bestow personal and/or real property through a will.

Devisee
A person or entity who is entitled to receive personal and/or real property that was devised in a will.

Fiduciary
A person who undertakes the legal duty to act for the benefit of another.

Guardian
A person who is appointed by the court to make personal decisions for a protected individual.

Guardian Ad Litem - "GAL"
A person appointed by the Judge to investigate and represent the best interests of the respondent.

Guardianship
A type of probate matter in which a guardian is appointed for a minor, legally incapacitated individual or an individual with a developmental disability.

Heir
A person who is entitled to a decedent’s property according to the laws of intestate succession.

Interested Persons
Any person “interested” in a probate matter as determined by court rule or statue. May include but are not limited to heirs, devisees, creditors and beneficiaries, depending on the type of matter.

Intestate
To die without a Will.

Plenary Guardian
A guardian with full authority over an individual with a developmental disability.

Renunciation
To voluntarily relinquish certain rights and/or duties imposed by the operation of law.

Respondent
Subject of the Petition.

Testate
To die having properly executed a Will.