What it means
An estate is the total of everything a person owns at death, including real estate, bank accounts, shares, vehicles and personal effects, less their debts and liabilities. After death this becomes the 'deceased estate', administered by an executor or administrator. Not every asset forms part of the estate. Assets owned as joint tenants pass by survivorship, and superannuation and life insurance may pass directly to nominated beneficiaries outside the estate.
How it's used
Her estate included a house, a share portfolio and a car, all of which passed to her executor to administer.