Which definition best fits the term 'grantor'?

The term 'grantor' is best defined as the individual transferring ownership rights. In property law, the grantor is the person who sells, conveys, or gifts the property to another party, typically referred to as the grantee. This role is critical in real estate transactions, as the grantor's actions initiate the transfer of title or property rights. The grantor must have the legal capacity to make this transfer, and it is essential for the grantor to execute the appropriate documents—such as a deed—to formally complete the transaction.

The other definitions provided do not accurately encompass the role of a grantor. For example, the person overseeing property records would be a public official such as a recorder or clerk, which does not relate to ownership transfer. Similarly, an heir is someone who inherits property upon a person's death, but this does not involve the voluntary transfer of rights. Lastly, a judge presiding over property disputes would not have a role as a grantor since their function is to interpret and enforce the law rather than engage in property transactions directly. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the legal function and responsibilities associated with the term 'grantor'.