What is the term used for the donor in a will?

The correct term for the donor in a will is "testator." A testator is a person who has made a will or given a legacy, indicating their intentions regarding the distribution of their estate upon their death. This term is essential in estate planning, as it defines the individual who possesses the authority to distribute their assets according to their wishes written in the will.

The other terms may seem relevant but denote different roles in the context of wills and estates. A devisor specifically refers to someone who bequeaths real property through a will, and a benefactor is generally someone who provides help or resources to another person or organization, often in a philanthropic sense, rather than the direct creator of a will. An executrix is the female term for an executor, the person appointed to manage the estate of the deceased, carry out the terms of the will, and ensure that debts and taxes are settled before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone studying real estate and estate planning, as they clarify the roles and responsibilities of the individuals involved in the process of will distribution.