testator

Definition

The person who kicks the bucket while having their legal ducks in a row—specifically, someone who dies with a valid will in place. Unlike those who die intestate (without a will), testators get to control their legacy from beyond the grave. They're basically estate planning overachievers who saved their heirs from probate court chaos.

Example Usage

As the testator of a modest fortune, Uncle Bernard made sure to leave his coin collection to the museum and his debt to his least favorite nephew.

Source: Legal terminology

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champerty

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