Resource Guide
Probate Glossary
of Terms
Probate comes with its own vocabulary. Whether you are an executor, personal representative, heir, or attorney, understanding the language of estate administration helps you move through the process with confidence.
This glossary covers the key terms you will encounter when dealing with a probate estate in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. For a complete reference, download the full Probate Glossary PDF below.
Quick Reference
Common Probate Terms You Should Know
Administrator / Administratrix
The person appointed by the Orphans' Court to manage an estate when there is no will (intestate) or when the named executor cannot serve.
Administration of Estate
The process of collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the heirs or beneficiaries.
Beneficiary
A person or entity named in a will or trust to receive assets from the estate.
Decedent
The person who has died and whose estate is being administered through probate.
Estate
The total property, assets, and debts left by the decedent at the time of death.
Executor / Executrix
The person named in a will to carry out its terms and manage the estate through probate.
Heir
A person entitled by law to inherit from the decedent when there is no valid will.
Intestate
Dying without a valid will. The estate is distributed according to state law (intestate succession).
Letters of Administration
Legal document issued by the Register of Wills authorizing the administrator to act on behalf of the estate.
Letters Testamentary
Legal document issued by the Register of Wills confirming the executor's authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Orphans' Court
The Maryland court that handles probate matters, including the appointment of personal representatives and approval of estate transactions.
Personal Representative
The modern term for the person who administers an estate may be called an executor (if named in a will) or administrator (if appointed by the court).
Probate
The court-supervised process of authenticating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets after someone dies.
Register of Wills
The elected official in each Maryland jurisdiction who serves as the clerk of the Orphans' Court and processes probate filings.
Testate
Dying with a valid will in place.
This is a selection of the most common probate terms. The full glossary contains a comprehensive list with additional context and state-specific notes for Maryland, DC, and Virginia.
Download the Complete Probate Glossary PDFDownload
Get the Full Probate Glossary
Complete Reference PDF
Marc Cormier's comprehensive probate glossary defines every term you are likely to encounter when navigating the estate process. Download the PDF for offline reference and share it with your attorney, family members, or clients.
Download PDF GlossaryLegal Note
If family members disagree about legal rights or the administration of the estate, seek advice from competent legal counsel.
Legal Note
Court requirements vary depending on the circumstances of the estate. Consult your probate attorney for guidance.
Legal Disclaimer
The information in this guide is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Probate laws vary, and every estate is different. Marc Cormier and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty are not acting as your attorneys or accountants. Before making legal decisions regarding an estate, consult with a competent Maryland probate attorney or other qualified professional familiar with your specific circumstances.
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