Glossary of Legal Terms

A power of attorney is a legal document that lets one person authorize another to handle financial or legal matters on their behalf. It does not authorize personal care or health care decisions by itself.

Probate is the court process used to confirm that a will is valid and that the executor has legal power to act. It helps banks, the Land Title Office, and other organizations know they can rely on the will and the person handling the estate.

A representation agreement is a legal document used in British Columbia to authorize another person to help make or make certain personal and health care decisions. It is part of incapacity planning.

The residue of an estate is what remains after debts, taxes, expenses, and specific gifts have been dealt with. The will often says who receives the residue.

A testator is a person who has made a will. In modern plain language, people often just say will-maker.

A trustee is a person or trust company that holds and manages property for the benefit of someone else according to a trust or legal duty. Trustees can also be involved in estates.

Undue influence is improper pressure that overcomes a person’s free choice when making a legal decision, such as signing a will or power of attorney. It can be an important issue in estate disputes.

A will is a legal document that says what should happen to a person’s money, property, and other important things after they die. It helps make their wishes clear, names the person who will carry them out, and can reduce confusion or conflict for the family. Without a valid will, the law decides who may handle the estate and who may receive it.