What is a person's declaration of their wishes for disposing of property after death called?

A person's declaration of their wishes for disposing of property after death is called a will. A will is a legal document that outlines how an individual wants their assets to be distributed upon their passing. It can designate beneficiaries for specific assets, name an executor to manage the estate, and include instructions for guardianship of minor children.

In the context of estate planning, a will serves as a foundational element. Unlike a trust, which may manage property during one's lifetime and can provide for distribution after death without probate, a will specifically defines the distribution of a person's estate following their death. An estate plan encompasses a broader array of documents and strategies, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, designed to manage an individual's assets and health care decisions during life and after death.

A codicil is a supplementary document used to make changes or additions to an existing will, rather than a standalone declaration of intentions for property distribution. Thus, the term that most accurately describes the declaration of property disposition wishes after death is indeed a will.