Originally published: 26 September 2021 | Last updated: 11 December 2025
TL;DR: Understanding Will terminology is essential for effective estate planning. Key terms: testator (person making the Will), beneficiary (person receiving assets), executor (person administering the estate), probate (legal estate administration), intestate (dying without a Will), codicil (Will amendment), and estate duty (tax on estates over R3.5 million). See our comprehensive glossary.
People need to understand Will terminology when they want to create effective estate plans. The main terms consist of testator (person who creates the Will), beneficiary (person who receives assets), executor (person who manages the estate), probate (legal process for estate management), intestate (dying without making a Will), codicil (document which changes a Will), and estate duty (tax which applies to estates that surpass R3.5 million). See our comprehensive glossary.
Essential Will Terminology
What Is a Testator?
The legal language which appears in your Will requires your full attention because it enables you to make well-informed decisions while understanding each specific clause. Here is a guide to the most important terms.
What Is an Executor?
What Is a Testator?
What Is a Beneficiary?
A testator is the person who makes a Will. Must be 16+ and of sound mind in South Africa.
What Is Probate?
What Is an Executor?
What Does Intestate Mean?
The person who receives your estate during their time of service will check all your belongings after you pass away.
What Is Estate Duty?
What Is a Beneficiary?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an executor and a beneficiary?
Any person or organisation named to receive assets from your estate.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
