Estate planning, Probate and elder law involves many legal terms. The Bailey Law Firm has compiled this list of legal terms to assist you in your information search. If you have questions, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please don't hesitate to call us at 901-843-2760.
Attorney Ad Litem
An Attorney Ad Litem is an attorney appointed by the Court to represent or be an advocate for the rights of the Ward.
Conservatorship
A Conservatorship or adult guardianship is the legal process by which someone is appointed by a Court to make financial and medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated or disabled.
Guardian Ad Litem
The Guardian Ad Litem is a lawyer appointed by the Court to investigate the medical condition and finances of the Ward.
Intestate
If you die Intestate, then you died without a valid Last Will and Testament.
Living Trust
A Living Trust is a revocable, inter-vivos or lifetime trust agreement, which is established and signed by you as the Settlor, as the Trustee, and as the Beneficiary.
Minor
In Tennessee, a Minor is a person less than eighteen (18) years of age. In Mississippi, a Minor is a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age.
Probate
Probate is the legal, court-supervised process by which title to your assets are transferred at your death from your name to the names of your heirs or beneficiaries.
Testate
If you die Testate, then you died with a valid Last Will and Testament.
Ward
In a minor guardianship, the Ward is the minor child. In an adult conservatorship, the Ward is the incapacitated or disabled person for whom a conservator is appointed.