Glossary

Administrators . Those appointed to administer an estate where there is no will or no executor.

Bequest. Same as "Legacy".

Beneficiary. A named individual or organisation who benefits from your Will.

Codicil. A document making minor changes to your Will. Must be signed and witnessed in the same manner as your Will.

Crown . This means the Treasury, where your money will go if you have no next of kin and did not make a will.

Estate . Everything belonging to you, and owed to you, at the time of your death.

Executors. Referred to in your Will as trustees. These are the people you appoint to deal with all your affairs after your death.

Guardians . Those you appoint to care for your children until they reach the age of eighteen years.

Intestacy . A person is said to die intestate if he dies without making a valid Will.

Pecuniary . Legacy Specific sum of money given by a Will.

Probate . A procedure, required under law in most cases, to establish formally whether you left a legally valid Will and who your executors will be.

Residuary Legacy . The residue of an estate, or a share in it.

Residue . The remains of your estate after payment of all debts, expenses, tax and distribution of pecuniary and specific legacies

Specific Legacy. A tangible item, such as a gold watch or an engagement ring.

Testator . The person making the Will.