A testator is a person who has written and executed a last will and testament that is in effect at the time of his/her death.[1] It is any "person who makes a will."[2]
Related terms
A female testator is sometimes referred to as a testatrix, particularly in older cases.[2]
The adjectival form of the word is testamentary, as in:
A will is also known as a Last will and testament.
Testacy means the status of being testate, that is, having executed a will. The property of such a person goes through the probate process.
Intestacy means the status of not having made a will, or to have died without a valid will. The estate of a person who dies intestate, undergoes administration, rather than probate.
The Attestation clause of a will is where the witnesses to a will attest to certain facts concerning the making of the will by the testator, and where they sign their names as witnesses.