testator

A testator is a person who has died and has left a will. The term testator is used to refer to the deceased person, regardless of gender, and has incorporated the antiquated term for female testators, testatrix.

In order to create a valid will, states require a testator to have testamentary capacity at the time of signing the will. In most states, this requires the testator to be of legal age, usually eighteen years old, and to be of sound mind.