Glossary
Administrator
The person appointed to deal with a person’s estate if there is no Will
Confirmation of Executor Dative
The Scottish equivalent of Grant of Letters and Administration (see below)
Confirmation of Executor Nominate
The Scottish equivalent of Grant of Probate (see below)
Death certificate
A legal record of death
Estate
The savings, property and assets left behind once a person has died
Executor
The person responsible for dealing with the paperwork and carrying out the wishes specified in the Will
Grant of Letters of Administration
This is issued to the person dealing with the estate when there is a Will but no named executor, or when the executor is unable or unwilling to apply for grant of probate or when the deceased did not leave a Will.
Grant of Probate
This is issued to the executor(s) named in the deceased person’s Will, and allows them to access and deal with the estate
Grant of Representation
General term which refers to any of the following:
- Grant of Probate (England and Wales)
- Grant of Letters of Administration (England and Wales)
- Executor Dative (Scotland)
- Executor Nominate (Scotland)
Inheritance Tax
Tax payable to HM Revenue and Customs if the estate exceeds a prescribed limit; unless the gift is to a spouse or charity, or inheritance tax relief or exemptions apply
Tracing Service
A free service that helps people to find lost savings and investments held with NS&I
Will
A legal document in which a person declares what should happen to their estate after their death
