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Tenancy-in-Common
A form of ownership of property in which two or more persons share ownership (may be equal or unequal shares). At the death of a tenant-in-common, his/her share in the property transfers to his/her heirs, rather than to the other surviving owner(s). Compare with Joint Tenancy.
Trustee
A person or institution responsible for the management and distribution of property held in a Trust. The trustee has the authority to act according to the instructions provided in the trust agreement. See Fiduciary.
Federal Estate Taxes
Taxes imposed by the US Government on the value of a person's estate upon his or her death.
Inheritance Tax
A tax imposed by the state at the time of a person's death that is based upon the total value of the decedent's estate
Living Trust
Sometimes called an Inter-Vivos Trust--A written legal document established during a person's lifetime into which he/she places property.
Interlineation
Something written in-between; often a change to a typed document that is made by crossing out words and entering in replacement words. Never change an executed will or trust by interlineation.
Grantor
The person who sets up or creates the trust; also called a Settlor, Trust Creator, Trust Maker, or Trustor.
Domicile
A person's permanent legal residence. While a person may have more than one residence, he or she can have only one domicile. Typically, the domicile is the same place you use for purposes of voter registration.
Estate
The total of all assets, all debts and other obligations of an individual. At the time of death the total amount of benefits (life insurance, annuity and retirement benefits) to be paid to beneficiaries are often also considered part of the estate for Federal Estate Tax purposes
In-Terrorum Clause
A provision of a will or trust that disinherits a person in the event that he/she challenges the terms of the will or trust. Sometime called a No-Contest Clause.
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