Here are some explanations of legal words that may help you when making or changing your will.
Beneficiary (or legatee)
A person or organisation standing to benefit from your will.
Codicil
A legal document which adds to or amends your existing will and which must be witnessed in the same way.
Estate
The total sum of your property, possessions and savings, less any debts.
Executor (executrix)
A person you appoint in your will to administer your estate.
Intestate
If you die without leaving a will, you are said to die intestate. The law then decides how your estate should be distributed.
Legacy or bequest
A gift left in a will.
Life interest
A gift to a named individual for use in his or her lifetime.
Pecuniary legacy/bequest
The gift of a fixed amount of money in a will.
Probate
The document issued by the court to your executors confirming the will is valid and giving them authority to act.
Residuary legacy/bequest
A gift which consists of all, or a percentage share of, the residue of your estate.
Residue
The sum of money that is left from your estate when all gifts, debts and taxes have been deducted.
Reversionary legacy/bequest
A gift to a person or organisation that is passed on only after the person it was originally left to has died.
Specific legacy/bequest
The gift of a particular item in your will.
Testator (testatrix)
A person who has made a will.
Trustee
A person appointed to look after any part of your estate which you leave under trust. Usually the same person(s) as your executor(s).
Witness
A person who will sign your will in your presence. Your witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of your will, or married to beneficiaries.
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