Glossary
Click on a term to learn it's meaning:

Assets
All and everything, including those jointly, owned by the deceased
Beneficiary
A person entitled to a share of an estate
Bequest
A gift made in a Will of cash or a specific item, not including property
Capital Gains Tax
More often referred to as CGT is the tax payable when selling an asset based on the amount of profit made
Conveyancing
The legal process undertaken in order to dispose of or acquire land and buildings
Chattels
Property other than real estate. Movable possessions which may be included in a sale, for example. furniture, curtains.
Estate
Everything owned and owed by a deceased person
Executor
The person or persons named in a will to administer the estate
Grant of Probate
Usually obtained by the executors appointed in the Will is the document issued by the Probate Registry in favour of the executor(s) allowing them to deal with the estate
Income Tax
Tax payable on income
Inheritance Tax
Often referred to as IHT is the tax payable to the government in respect of the estate and certain lifetime gifts after death
Inheritance Tax Allowance
The amount under which no Inheritance Tax is payable, currently being £325,000
Inheritance Tax Threshold
The amount over which Inheritance Tax becomes payable currently being £325,000
Instrument of Variation
A document varying a will or intestacy after death
Intestate
Meaning that the deceased had no Will
Legacy
A gift made in a Will
Letters of Administration
The authority made by the Probate Office to allow the dealing of an estate where there was no Will
Liability
A debt which must be settled by the estate.  This could include mortgages and loans, Tax and funeral expenses.
Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trust
A trust created in a will to allow the holding of assets up to the Inheritance Tax Allowance
Pecuniary Legacy
A specific gift made in a Will.  For example a sum of money or a specific item
Probate
The process by which an estate is administered
Probate Office or Registry
The body which deals with the Grant of Probate and other matters in relation to Probate
Residue
Often referred to as the Residuary Estate is the amount left after all specific gifts have been made and liabilities been discharged
Residuary Legacy
A gift under a Will relating to the estate after all Pecuniary Legacies have been discharged
Stamp Duty Land Tax
A tax paid by the buyer upon the transfer of property where the consideration exceeds £125,000
Will
The document laying out the deceased’s wishes

Our Service To You

The process of obtaining a Grant of Probate can be complicated and stressful. As professionals we are able to relieve you of all of this by:

  • Where appropriate arranging for one of our Consultants to visit you and gather essential information that will be required
  • Providing help and advice in respect of the application for Probate
  • Giving advice to reduce Inheritance Tax Liability
  • Dealing with the estate including the collection all assets and distributing them in accordance with the Will
  • Providing full Estate accounts
  • Assist with the sale of any land, property or chattels
  • Assume all the potential liabilities from the Executors as our service is underwritten with Professional Indemnity Insurance

All of this can be achieved by us working alongside the appointed executors or by Wills and Probate Countrywide being appointed to act as professional executors.

To find out how we can assist you please contact us.

At all times you will be given a fixed fee quotation for our services before you instruct us to act