Appendix: Definitions

Administrator

~

Person legally appointed to settle affairs where there is no Will.

Chattels

~

Personal possessions such as car furniture, jewellery.

Codicil

~

Document making valid alteration/addition to a Will.

Estate

~

The total of your possessions (money. Property, chattels etc) when you die.

Executor

~

Person appointed by you in your Will to carry out your wishes.

Intestacy

~

Where a person dies without leaving a valid Will.

Issue

~

Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren etc

Legacy

~

A specified gift left in a Will.

Partial Intestacy

~

Where a Will does not cover the whole estate.

Probate

~

Proper legal procedure to ensure that a Will is valid.

Residue

~

What is left after all specific gifts in the Will have been met and taxes and debts paid.

Testator/Testatrix

~

Name given to man/woman who has made a Will after he/she has died.

Trust

~

When assets are left with Trustees who administer them for the good of beneficiaries.