Legator

A legator is a person who makes a bequest, especially in a will. This individual designates a recipient, known as a legatee, to receive specific property or assets. The legator's wishes are legally binding upon their death and are typically carried out by the executor or administrator of their estate. The term underscores the active role a person plays in determining how their belongings are distributed after they are gone, ensuring their legacy reflects their desires for future asset allocation and the beneficiary's personal use of acquired property.

Legator meaning with examples

• The elderly philanthropist was a generous legator, leaving significant sums to several local charities in his will. His estate planned several gifts that would be distributed upon his passing. This was just one of many gifts outlined within the legal documents. His actions ensured the charities could continue their vital work.
• Despite a long estrangement, the legator included his estranged son in the will, bequeathing him a valuable collection of vintage cars. While they may not have been the most friendly, their shared history and the familial bond were seen through the legal proceedings and final distribution. It was a surprising, yet potentially beneficial, gift.
• As the legator's executor, she faced the complex task of interpreting the often-ambiguous terms of the will and ensuring the assets were distributed correctly. Proper distribution of assets, as described, was going to be time-consuming. She was a steadfast executor and a good legator for many decades to come. The executor would be handling multiple accounts.
• The wealthy entrepreneur, a meticulous legator, created a detailed trust outlining the specific conditions under which his grandchildren could access their inheritance. The terms were very strict and outlined with great accuracy. This allowed him to control the family fortune well beyond the grave. These trusts would need to be updated periodically.