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A gift in your Will: Legal terms explained

If you would like to leave us a gift in your Will, it may help you to understand the legal terms below.

Beneficiary - Any person or organisation that you leave a gift to in your Will. Beneficiaries should not witness the Will, or the gift to them will be made invalid.

Bequest or legacy -  A gift in your Will.

Codicil - A document that makes a change or addition to your existing Will. It must follow the same legal formalities as your original Will.

Estate - The total sum of your possessions, property and money (minus debts) left after your death

Executor - The people or organisation who will make sure that wishes in your Will are carried out. You'll need to name your executors in your Will. They can also be beneficiaries.

Gift of Life Interest - A gift which someone can benefit from in their lifetime. For example, a house could be left for the use of a relative. When they die, it could pass to someone else, or to a charity.  

Inheritance tax - The tax due on your estate if it is over the Inheritance Tax threshold, as specified by the Government each year. You can find up to date information on the HM Revenue and Customs website: hmrc.gov.uk/inheritancetax

Intestate - This is when someone dies without making a Will. Their estate will then be divided up according to rules set by the Government that determine who inherits the estate and how much they will receive.

Pecuniary gift - A fixed sum of money left to someone in a Will.

Probate - The legal process after someone's death, confirming their Will is valid and giving the executors the legal authority to administer the Will.

Residue - The remainder of your estate once all debts, taxes, administration costs and legacies (specific and pecuniary) have been paid out.

Specific gift - A particular item named in your Will, for example a piece of land, jewellery, shares or property.

Testator (male) or testatrix (female) - The person who makes the Will.

Will - A legal document which only takes effect on your death and deals with how you want your estate to be distributed. It is important to remember that your Will can be changed at any time.

Witness - Anyone who witnesses your signature on your Will. A witness should not be a beneficiary, their spouse or civil partner.

Contact us

If you would like to talk in confidence about how to include a gift in your Will to Parkinson's UK or would like further information call Chris Brodrick on 020 7963 9344 or email legacies@parkinsons.org.uk

We understand that your Will is a private matter and will keep anything discussed confidential and without obligation.