Terminology
Administrators – where Will does not appoint executors or there is no Will the court will appoint administrators to deal with the estate
Attestation clause – clause at the end of the Will reciting the requirements for execution of a Will
Bequest/legacy – a gift of personal property or money in a Will
Codicil – a supplemental Will
Devise – a gift of land
Executor – person appointed by Will to get in the assets of the testator, to pay the debts of the testator, and then distribute the assets to those entitled under the Will
Grant of Letters of Administration – grant by the court when there are no Executors. The Grant confers authority on Administrators
Grant of Probate – confirmation by the court that a Will is valid and the appointment of the Executors
Intestacy – no valid Will
Joint tenants or tenants in common – two forms of co-ownership recognised by English Law
Partial Intestacy – there is a Will but it does not dispose of all of the property of the deceased
Pecuniary Legacy – a gift of money
Personal Representatives – collective name for executors and administrators
Residue or residuary estate – a gift of anything left
Specific gift – a gift of assets distinguished from other property
Testator/testatrix – person who makes a Will
Trust – this is where persons are appointed as trustees to hold assets for the benefit of others or possibly themselves
Will – a document intended to take effect on death