Terms Used In Texas Estates Code Chapter 256 > Subchapter A - Effectiveness of Will; Period for Probate

• Comptroller: means the state comptroller of public accounts. See Texas Government Code 312.011
• Decedent: A deceased person.
• Deed: The legal instrument used to transfer title in real property from one person to another.
• Devisee: includes a legatee. See Texas Estates Code 22.009
• Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.
• Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
• Heir: means a person who is entitled under the statutes of descent and distribution to a part of the estate of a decedent who dies intestate. See Texas Estates Code 22.015
• Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
• Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
• Person: includes a natural person and a corporation. See Texas Estates Code 22.027
• Probate: Proving a will
• Property: means real and personal property. See Texas Government Code 311.005
• Signed: includes any symbol executed or adopted by a person with present intention to authenticate a writing. See Texas Government Code 311.005
• Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
• Testator: A male person who leaves a will at death.
• Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.
• United States: includes a department, bureau, or other agency of the United States of America. See Texas Government Code 311.005