Originally published: 26 September 2021 | Last updated: 11 December 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TL;DR:<\/strong> 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<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

\n\nPeople 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.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Will Terminology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Testator?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nThe 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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an Executor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat Is a Testator?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Beneficiary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nA testator is the person who makes a Will. Must be 16+ and of sound mind in South Africa.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Probate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat Is an Executor?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Intestate Mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nThe person who receives your estate during their time of service will check all your belongings after you pass away.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between an executor and a beneficiary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nAny person or organisation named to receive assets from your estate.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Will Terminology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Testator?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an Executor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Testator?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Beneficiary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA testator is the person who makes a Will. Must be 16+ and of sound mind in South Africa.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n