Legal Glossary
Legal language can be a barrier. These definitions explain common terms in plain English, with context and links to related guides. Definitions are general information — the exact legal meaning can vary by state.
Advance Directive
Plain-English definition of an advance directive: living wills, health care proxies, and how they guide medical decisions.
Beneficiary
Plain-English explanation of a beneficiary: beneficiaries of wills, trusts, insurance, and retirement accounts, plus their rights.
Conservator
Plain-English definition of conservator: the person appointed to manage someone else's finances, and how the term differs by state.
Conservatorship
Plain-English definition of conservatorship: what it is, how it relates to guardianship, and how courts oversee it.
Durable Power of Attorney
Plain-English explanation of a durable power of attorney: how it differs from other POAs, why it matters for incapacity planning, and state requirements.
Elder Abuse
Plain-English definition of elder abuse: the main types, warning signs, and where to report concerns.
Estate
Plain-English explanation of an estate: what counts as estate property, probate vs. non-probate assets, and why the distinction matters.
Executor
Plain-English explanation of an executor: what executors do, their legal duties, how they are appointed, and how they differ from trustees.
Guardian
Plain-English definition of guardian: the person a court appoints to make decisions for someone who cannot, and how the role differs from guardianship itself.
Guardianship
Plain-English definition of guardianship: what it is, how courts decide, and how it differs from a power of attorney.
Long-Term Care
Plain-English definition of long-term care: what it includes, where it is provided, and how people pay for it.
Medicaid
Plain-English definition of Medicaid: what it covers, how eligibility works, and how it differs from Medicare.
Medicare
Plain-English definition of Medicare: the parts, what they cover, and how it differs from Medicaid.
Neglect
Plain-English definition of neglect of an older adult: what it means, how it differs from abuse, and where to report it.
Power of Attorney
Plain-English definition of power of attorney: what it is, how it works, and what to know before signing one.
Probate
Plain-English definition of probate: what it is, when it is required, and how it affects families.
Trust
Plain-English definition of a trust: what it is, common types, and how trusts are used in estate planning.
Trustee
Plain-English explanation of a trustee: duties to beneficiaries, how trustees are chosen, successor trustees, and key differences from executors.
Will
Plain-English definition of a will (last will and testament): what it does and what it cannot do.
Glossary definitions are general information, not legal advice, and legal meanings can vary by state. Read our full legal disclaimer.