What is a common term for a person who inherits property or assets in a will?

The term "beneficiary" specifically refers to an individual or entity designated in a will to receive property, assets, or benefits upon the death of the testator, who is the person creating the will. When someone creates a will, they typically outline who will receive their belongings after they pass, and those individuals are called beneficiaries. This includes any tangible and intangible items bequeathed to them, such as money, real estate, or personal possessions.

Other terms such as "testator" refer to the person who writes the will, "executor" is the individual appointed to manage the estate and ensure the provisions of the will are carried out, and "administrator" typically refers to someone who manages an estate when a person dies intestate (without a will). Each of these roles has distinct responsibilities that do not involve directly inheriting property or assets, which is the primary function of a beneficiary. Thus, beneficiaries are central to the execution of a will, receiving the benefits and assets as intended by the testator.