The number of unmarried couples who are living together has dramatically increased in recent years and over one- third of births are now outside marriage.

Glossary of Commonly Used UK Legal Will Terms

Administrator - An individual appointed by UK law to handle your personal and financial affairs if you die intestate, which means without a legal will.

Beneficiary - Anyone designated to receive money, property, or possessions in your will.

Codicil - A codicil is used to make changes to an existing will.

Crown - The UK government. If you do not make a legal will, the crown receives your entire estate.

Estate - The sum of everything you own at the time of your death, minus any debts or unpaid taxes.

Executor - The individual or individuals you choose to distribute your estate as specified in your legal will.

Funeral arrangements - Specific requirements or requests you can designate in a special portion of your legal will.

Guardian - A person who is appointed to look after the interests of a minor (a child under the age of 18), or anyone else who cannot look after their own affairs.

Inheritance Tax - Inheritance tax is a 40% tax applied to the largest estates. Charitable contributions are exempt from inheritance tax.

Legacy - A monetary award, property, possession or gift designated in your will. A legacy can be given to an organization such as a charity or an individual of your choice.

Probate - Probate is the name for the process of establishing legal validity of your will.

Testator  - This term applies to the person who makes the will.

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