GLOSSARY A - B

Abatement
A proportional reduction applied where the estate had insufficient assets to pay Beneficiaries or creditors in full.

Ademption
A gift or property mentioned in a Will that cannot be given to the Beneficiary because it no longer belonged to the Deceased.

Administration
Managing the affairs of the Deceased. This involves establishing, collecting and distributing the assets of the estate as stated in the Will or, where there is no Will, according to the intestacy rules.

Administration period
The time it takes from the date of death to completion of the estate’s administration.

Administrator
Someone who is appointed by law to settle your affairs if you die without leaving a Will, or if the named Executor does not wish to act.

Affidavit
A written statement, confirmed by oath, for use as evidence in court.

Assets
Everything owned by the Deceased.

Attestation
Witnessing a signature.

Beneficiary
Someone entitled to a share on the estate.

Bequest
A gift of a particular object or cash as opposed to land or buildings.