What is a beneficiary of a will commonly referred to as?

The term commonly used to describe a beneficiary of a will is "heir" or "devisee." When someone is named in the will to receive property or assets, they fall into one of these categories. An heir refers to someone who is legally entitled to inherit property, usually family members or relatives. A devisee specifically denotes someone who receives real property or real estate through the will. Both terms highlight the role of an individual in relation to receiving benefits from the deceased's estate.

In contrast, a testator is the person who creates the will and dictates its terms. The executor is the individual or institution appointed to administer the estate according to the will’s instructions, ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out. A trustor, on the other hand, is someone who creates a trust, which is a different legal instrument altogether, dealing with the management of assets during the trustor's lifetime or upon their death. Thus, the specific roles and definitions within estate planning emphasize why "heir" or "devisee" is the accurate term for beneficiaries of a will.