Below are some definitions of legal words you may come across when writing your will - your solicitor will be able to help with anything you don't understand.

Beneficiary
A person or organisation benefitting from your will.

Bequest / Legacy
A gift of any kind made in your will.

Codicil
A change or modification to your will after the initial writing. It must be executed with the same legal formalities as a will.

Estate
Everything you own at the time of your death; all of your assets (money, property, posessions) and liabilities (debts).

Executors
Individuals named in your will who you have selected to make sure the wishes in your will are carried out.

Intestate
The condition of dying without having made a will. In this situation, the estate of the deceased is distributed in accordance with the law.

Pecuniary Legacy
A gift of a fixed sum of money in your will.

Probate
The legal process after death of establishing the validity of a will and settling an estate.

Residuary Legacy
A gift of the remainder of the estate (the residue) after all conditions of the will have been met - other bequests made and debts cleared.

Specific bequest
A particular named piece of property left as a gift in your will, e.g. a painting or a piece of jewellery.

Testator
The person who has made the will.