Probate Glossary: Plain-English Definitions of Key Terms | ProbateHelp
A plain-English glossary of probate, estate administration, and inheritance terms used in England and Wales. Understand the legal language before you start.
The ProbateHelp glossary explains probate, estate administration, inheritance tax and executor terminology in plain English for England and Wales.
- Probate
- The legal process of proving a will is valid and obtaining authority to administer an estate in England and Wales. Read related guide.
- Grant of Probate
- The court document confirming an executor's authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. Read related guide.
- Letters of Administration
- The authority issued when someone dies without a valid will, or when executors cannot act. Read related guide.
- Executor
- A person named in a will to collect estate assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains. Read related guide.
- Administrator
- A person appointed to administer an estate when there is no executor able to act. Read related guide.
- Intestacy
- The situation where someone dies without a valid will, so the estate passes under statutory intestacy rules. Read related guide.
- Inheritance Tax
- A tax on the estate of someone who has died, usually charged above available nil-rate bands and reliefs. Read related guide.
- IHT400
- The main HMRC inheritance tax account form used for estates that are not excepted estates. Read related guide.
- Section 27 Notice
- A statutory advertisement inviting unknown creditors to come forward before estate distribution. Read related guide.
- Estate Accounts
- The record showing estate assets, debts, expenses, tax payments and distributions to beneficiaries. Read related guide.
- Beneficiary
- A person or organisation entitled to receive a gift or share of the estate under a will or intestacy. Read related guide.
- Caveat
- A notice that temporarily prevents a grant of probate or letters of administration from being issued. Read related guide.