Who provides a legacy in a will?

In the context of a will, a legacy is typically provided by the individual who creates the will, known as the testator. The testator is the person who decides how their property and assets will be distributed after their death. They may designate certain beneficiaries to receive specific items, amounts of money, or other forms of legacy as part of the testamentary document.

The role of the testator is foundational in estate planning since they establish their last wishes and ensure that their assets are allocated according to their desires. This is a critical aspect of how wills function, as it allows individuals to have control over their property after they pass away.

The other roles mentioned, such as the judge, executor, and guardian, have different responsibilities. The judge may oversee the probate process but does not provide legacies directly. The executor is responsible for administering the will and ensuring that the testator’s wishes are carried out, but they do not themselves provide legacies; they merely enact the testator's directives. A guardian, on the other hand, is appointed to care for minor children or dependents, which is unrelated to the act of providing legacies in a will.