Jargon Buster

It can be daunting picking up the phone to talk to or to visit a solicitor or professional Will writer as the legal jargon can be overwhelming. We would hope that they would help you understand but just in case we are here to help! See below a list of terms you may come across and what it means.

• Absolute – Unconditionally and completely
• Administrator – A person that administers your estate after your death if you have failed to make a valid will. Or if you have made a will but did not appoint an executor.
• Beneficiary – A person or organisation who/that benefits from your will.
• Bequeth – To make a legacy in your Will to a person or organisation.
• Codicil – A legally binding document made by you that alters or adds to your existing Will.
• The Crown - If you have no next of Kin and die without making a Will, your estate will go to The Crown – The Treasury.
• Estate – All of your possessions and assets at the time of your death.
• Executor or Executrix – A man or woman you appoint to carry out your wishes as stated in your Will and to administer your estate after your death.
• Intestate – Those that die without leaving a valid will.
• Legacy / Bequeth – A gift you leave in your Will to a person or organisation.
• Next of Kin – Your closest living relative.
• Probate – After your death, probate is the legal process whereby your will is validated and the value of your estate assessed in order that your estate can be distributed in accordance with your wishes.