What is the legal term for a person who creates a will?

The legal term for a person who creates a will is "Testator." This term specifically refers to an individual who expresses their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and affairs after their death through a legally executed document known as a will. The testator is responsible for laying out how their property should be managed and distributed, and their intentions are to be followed by the executor of the will, who oversees its execution.

An executor is the individual appointed to carry out the terms of the will and manage the estate. While the role of executor is critical, it pertains to the administration of the will rather than its creation.

A beneficiary is someone who receives benefits or assets from the will. This term is related to the receiving party rather than the individual who establishes the will.

A trustee is a person or entity that holds and manages assets on behalf of another party, typically in the context of trust agreements, distinguishing their role from that of the testator.

Understanding the distinct roles within the estate planning process clarifies the significance of the term "testator" and the overall function of creating a will.