Estate Law Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary pertaining to estate law and the administration of wills.

Executor

Appointed in the will to carry out the instructions of the will.

Executrix

A female appointed in the will to carry out the instructions of the will.

Administrator

A person appointed by the court to carry out the instructions of the will.

Devise

Property transferred by will.

Devisee

The person to whom property is transferred by will.

Accretion

Acquiring property through natural causes or acts of God.

Forced Heirship

In Louisiana, a portion of the estate must go to the children 23 years or younger.

Forced Portion

The mandatory share of the estate: 1/4 if one child, 1/2 if two or more children.

Naked Owners

The children of a deceased parent.

Abusus

The right of naked owners to sell or mortgage the property.

Disposable Portion

The portion of the estate that can be freely disposed of: 3/4 if one child, 1/2 if two or more children.

Constructive Notice

Recording something in the public records.

Actual Notice

First-hand information such as telling someone face to face.

Acknowledgment

A statement that an act was done of the person's free will.

Attorney's Opinion

An opinion based on examination of the history of the title of a property.

Abstract of Title

A brief summary of all recorded instruments which affect the title.