Plain-language glossary
Estate terms explained
Common terms used in estate correspondence in England and Wales. These are general explanations; different rules and terminology apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ask about a term- Administrator
- The person the court appoints to deal with an estate when there is no will, or no named executor able to act.
- Beneficiary
- Someone due to receive something from an estate, under a will or under the rules that apply when there is none.
- Domicile
- A person's permanent home for legal purposes. It can differ from where they last lived and may affect which inheritance rules apply.
- Estate
- The property, savings and possessions a person leaves when they die. Debts and other liabilities must be settled before the remainder is distributed.
- Executor
- The person named in a will to gather the estate, settle liabilities and distribute what remains.
- Grant
- A document confirming authority to deal with an estate. Banks and other organisations may require it before releasing assets.
- Heir
- Someone who inherits. A potential heir is someone whose possible entitlement has been identified but still needs to be confirmed.
- Intestacy
- The situation where someone dies without a valid will, or their will does not cover all of their estate. Intestacy rules determine who inherits the assets concerned.
- Letters of Administration
- A grant giving an administrator authority to deal with an estate. If there is a will but no executor able to act, it is called administration with the will annexed.
- Personal representative
- The term covering both executors and administrators: whoever is legally responsible for the estate.
- Probate
- The process of proving a will and obtaining authority to administer an estate, often used loosely for estate administration as a whole.
- Trustee
- Someone who holds property for others under the terms of a trust, which may continue long after the estate is wound up.
Still unclear?
Contact us
Questions about your letter?
We can explain the terms we have used. A solicitor can advise on your legal position.