Confused by legal jargon? Use Wills 4 Less as the editorial content we have translated key will terms into plain English so you understand what they say and so that you can make professional decisions regarding your future and loved ones without getting bogged down with too much jargon..
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When the time comes and you are planning your Will, you’ll be confronted with what will seem like dozens of complicated legal terms that mean nothing (or make no sense) to you. WILL Glossary Of Terms This Will Glossary of terms has been prepared by Will 4 Less to help you understand, feel confident, and be in control of all the decisions you are making.
We know that making a Will is about more than just documents it is about protecting your family s future and gaining peace of mind. This extensive Glossary Of WILL Terms will take you by the arm and walk you through some of that legalese, so you won't be confused or feel at-will to the mechanics.
For more detailed information, please visit: https://maidenhead.wills4less.co.uk/glossary-of-will-terms/
The reason most people feel anxious about creating their Will is because they don’t get the legal speak that’s used. You Are Here This Glossary Of WILL Terminology is here to help you along the way, so that you can:
Know what your Will actually means
Make decisions confidently
Make sure you tell your Will writer or solicitor exactly what you want to happen.
Prevent those frustrating errors that can ruin the hard work of an entire spinning session
But, here at Will 4 Less we think that nobody should be excluded from having a Will because of confusing jargon. And that’s where this Glossary Of WILL Terms comes in to give you the power to be in control of your wishes, your wealth and your loved ones future.
If a person dies without a will, the administrator is the individual allocated to manage their estate under intestacy laws.
A process of observing a signature on the will to verify if it was signed correctly. In the UK, two independent witnesses are needed for valid attestation.
Whoever inherits from your will. This term is probably one of the most Googled in any Glossary Of WILL Terms as it relates to who gets your estate.
A gift left in a will. For instance, declining the bequest of a friend’s estate in your will is a behest.
An official amendment to your previously written will without the need to rewrite it in its entirety. We include this in our Glossary of WILL Terms since a lot of people update their wills after significant life events.
All of your possessions at the time you die, such as property, savings, stocks and personal belongings.
The individual you designate to fulfill the instructions in your will. This is one of the key words in any Glossary Of WILL Terms because executors are legally responsible.
If you have minor children, your will names guardians who will take care of them if you die before they reach age 18. This is so they are taken care of all the way around both emotionally and physically.
Tax payable on the value of your estate if it exceeds a specific amount (£325,000 as at 2025 in the UK). Understanding this term can help you plan with an eye on taxes.
Dying without the proper will in place is referred to as dying intestate. The Glossary Of WILL Terms explains that because of it, extremely strict legal rules kick in about who gets to inherit.
Another word for gift in will. There are specific types:
Money Legacy – a specific sum of money
General Legacy – property, as opposed to chattels...Legacy – other form of bequest A gift by will of a particular item.LEGACY.
Residuary Gift – what is left over of your estate after all debts and other legacies have been paid
Mirror wills Wills written by couples, which are generally similar and bequeath everything to each other.
Dying without a proper will is known as dying intestate. Here’s the A-Z on passing without a will (which our Glossary Of WILL Terms helps to explain as it prompts strict legal rules on inheriting).
Another name for gift in a will. There are specific types:
Pecuniary Bequest – a specific amount of money
Special Bequest – a specified item or asset
What is left after debts and other legacies have been paid Residuary Legacy
Wills created by couples that mirror each other, typically leaving assets to each other.
It is the procedure of proving that a will is genuine and giving authority to the executors. This is a frequent search under Glossary Of WILL Terms because families frequently require assistance during the probate process.
Here’s the value your estate is greater than after accounting for debts, funeral costs, taxes and specific gifts.
The person making the will. ‘Testator’ is used for males, ‘testatrix’ for females, but now the other sex is called a testator.
A private legal agreement that permits an individual (trustee) to hold and manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries. For instance, you could create a trust that gives the young children access to an inheritance once they become responsible adults.
Witnesses who see you sign your will, and then sign it to confirm that you acted of your own free will. In the UK, you’ll also have to be accompanied by someone who can’t stand to inherit.
This Glossary Of WILL Terms guides you:
Know what each term means for your family
Ask informed questions of your will writer
Prevent waiting because people didn't understand what was meant
Give your family the comfort of knowing that you clearly expressed your wishes for final arrangements.
Legal words are intimidating, and many people shy away from them. At Will 4 Less we know that knowledge conquers fear. That’s also why we maintain this Glossary Of WILL Terms as easy for you to use and jargon-free; a part of what you know already, not an alienating lecture in legalese.
No, there is no need to memorize them. Rest assured, this Glossary Of WILL Terms is there to help jog your memory whenever you run across a term whose usage is not all that clear to you.
Whilst this glossary helps you interpret terminology, we would recommend professional advice so that your Will is both valid, tax-efficient and embodies your precise wishes.
Law uses particular words chas to avoid conflict and also, mis interpretation. This Glossary Of WILL Terms puts that precision into words that you can understand without losing their legal accuracy.
Yes. We update it every year to reflect changes in UK law, so you have the most up to date information you need at your fingertips.
We are a bit more than "just words on paper" We at Will 4 Less:
Listen deeply to your wishes
Relay complex jargon into language everyone can understand.
Offer affordable, transparent services
Continue to support as life changes
This Glossary Of WILL Terms will help you Write a Will more easily, clearly, and confidently. Our endeavor at Will 4 Less is to intertwine Will writing into your life, one family, person, and professional at a time, such that peace of mind is accessible minus the legal jargon.
If you have any queries beyond this Glossary Of WILL Terms, Writing A Will From a-z through this link Contact Us to discuss your will with real experts who worry about you.