NBE Arts Practice Exam 2025 – Your Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

The term "testate" refers to an individual who has created and executed a valid will before their death. This legal document outlines how the person wishes their assets and responsibilities to be handled after passing. When a person dies testate, it is explicit that they had intention and foresight regarding the distribution of their estate, which provides a clear legal framework for the probate process to take place smoothly.

Understanding this terminology is pivotal in the context of burial practices and estate management, as it directly influences how one's wishes are respected and executed regarding their possessions and burial arrangements. In situations where someone dies intestate, meaning they did not leave a will, the distribution of their estate can become complicated and often leads to state law determining the outcomes, which may not align with the deceased's wishes. Holographic and probate pertain to specific forms or processes related to wills, but they do not encapsulate the legal status of having a will, which is the primary aspect of the term "testate."