Will Words - De-mystified!

Have you ever read an ancestor's will and been totally baffled by the terminology used? 

This week I've featured ten of the most commonly used terms to de-mystify the world of the will.

Top Ten - Will Making Words 

Bequeath                                This is a term used to refer to the leaving of personal property by will.

Testator / Testatrix                A man / woman who has made their last will and testament.

Probate                                   This is the process of proving a will has been accepted by the court and grants the executor permission to go ahead and carry out the terms of the will.

Intestate                                  This describes a person who has died without leaving a will or a valid will cannot be found.

Administration                      Refers to a grant allowing the right to administer the estate of a person who has died without leaving a will.

Executor / Executrix             A man / woman who has been appointed by the testator / testatrix to dispose of their estate following the terms of the will.

Estate                                      This is the term used to describe the assets and liabilities of the deceased.

Inventory                               This is a list of the household goods and possessions of the deceased often with details of their value.

Holograph Will                      This is a will that has been written out entirely in the deceased’s own handwriting.

Codicil                                    Describes and addition made to a will by the testator / testatrix after it has been drawn up and signed. Any number of codicils can be made as long as each one is witnessed and signed.

Find out more in Family History for Beginners from The History Press.