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

The term that refers to a person who creates a valid will is "Testator." A testator is someone who has executed a will, thereby outlining their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate upon their death. This legal document typically specifies the beneficiaries, who will receive the estate, and may also designate Executors to oversee the estate's administration.

Understanding this term is crucial in discussions regarding estate planning and inheritance, as it differentiates between the roles various individuals play in the context of a will. While Executors manage the estate according to the instructions laid out in the will, and Beneficiaries receive the assets specified by the testator, it is ultimately the testator who is responsible for creating the will itself. A Trustee is a person or entity responsible for managing assets held in a trust, which is a different legal instrument altogether. Thus, recognizing the role of the testator is essential to comprehending estate law and the process surrounding wills.