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common terms


Beneficiary - A person or organisation who benefits from the Will

Bequest or Legacy - A gift of a specific item or sum of money

Chattels - Personal possessions such as contents of a house

Codicil - A change or addition to an existing Will. It must also comply with the rules governing the making of Wills

Estate - Everything you own at the time of your death

Executor and Trustee - The person appointed in the Will to ensure that your wishes stated in the Will are out. We will be happy to be appointed as Executors, at no extra cost to you when the Will is made

Grant of Probate - An order of the Court stating that a Will is legally valid. It confirms the authority of the Executors.

Inheritance Tax - The tax payable in some circumstances on the value of your property at your death and on some lifetime gifts

Residue - The remainder of your property after payment of debts, funeral and other expenses, fees, tax and any specific legacies

Testator or Testatrix - The person making the Will

Trust - When assets are held by trustees on behalf of beneficiaries' usually children or grandchildren