Estate planning and legal definitions

Explore and find the most common and less common estate planning and legal terms defined by leading estate practitioners.

A

Absolute gift

An absolute gift refers to a straightforward and unconditional transfer of property or assets from one person to another person.
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Affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement or declaration of facts that is made voluntarily and under oath by an individual.
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B

Beneficiary

An individual, organization, or entity who is designated to receive assets, property, or benefits from a person's estate upon their death.
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C

Codicil

A legal document that is used to make specific changes, additions, or amendments to an existing will.
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D

Discretionary trust

A legal arrangement used to transfer assets or property into a trust, and then giving the trustee broad discretion to determine how and when the trust's income and assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.
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E

Discretionary trust

A legal arrangement used to transfer assets or property into a trust, and then giving the trustee broad discretion to determine how and when the trust's income and assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.
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F

G

H

I

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L

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N

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P

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V - Z

1 - 9

21-year rule

A legal principle that pertains to the duration of certain types of trusts. This rule aims to prevent the indefinite tying up of assets in trusts.
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3-2-3 model

A model developed to simplify will planning for both advisors and clients. The 3-2-3 model provides structure to planning meetings by simplifying the options available at each stage.
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