What this tool does

Wills, probate and estate paperwork come with a lot of old-fashioned legal wording, and it is not always obvious what any of it actually means. This tool takes a word or phrase you have come across and gives you back a short, plain English explanation of what it is and why it matters when someone is sorting out a will or an estate.

It is a quick reference, not legal advice, so think of it as a way to make sense of what you are reading before you decide what to do next.

When to use it

It is useful if you are writing your own will and want to be sure you understand the wording, or if you have been named as an executor and the solicitor's letter is full of terms you have never seen before. It is also handy if you are dealing with the estate of someone who has died and you need to work out what words like grant of representation, residuary beneficiary or life interest trust actually mean in practice.

Anyone can use it, whether you are a beneficiary trying to follow what is happening, a family member helping out, or someone planning ahead for your own affairs.

How it works

Type the term you want explained into the box, for example probate, intestacy, codicil, letters of administration or chargeable transfer, and submit it. You will get back a short explanation in everyday language, along with a note on why the term matters and where you are likely to see it. You can look up as many terms as you like. Nothing you type is saved against your name, and you do not need to create an account to use it.