Legal will meaning in English
Learn how to use Legal will correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
a (legal) will: a legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
My father left me nothing in his will except a large fish tank.
Examples
- "The sheik specified no next of kin, and left no legal will."
- "Before I begin reading the will, please accept my condolences for the loss of your grandfather, Mr. Jones."
Exercise 1
What is a "legal will"?
What is a "legal will"?
An "heir" is a person who receives money or property from a deceased (dead) relative. Example: Bruno was Xavier's only heir. A "legal will" indicates who the heir or heirs will be, however a "legal will" is not the same as an "heir".
A "safe-deposit box" is a metal box usually kept in a bank for security, and used for storing valuables. A "legal will" might be stored inside a "safe-deposit box", however "a key to a safe-deposit box" is not the same as a legal will'.
An "official process" is a formal or legal action undertaken to achieve a goal, or to solve a conflict. Example: The official process for foreigners to become American citizens is long and complicated. A "legal will" is not an "official process to resolve a financial conflict".
A "legal will" (or simply a will) is an official document that legally and formally indicates what is to be done with a person's possessions and money after they have died. Example: The will clearly stated that the millionaire's dog should receive his entire fortune.
Exercise 2
Dictation sensation!
Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks below from Mrs Bentley's speech.
"I, Hector Melvin Jones, declare this to be my last and . In the of my , I the following to my grandson, Brian Alastair Sinclair Jones, on the condition that he be married."
Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks below from Mrs Bentley's speech.
"I, Hector Melvin Jones, declare this to be my last and . In the of my , I the following to my grandson, Brian Alastair Sinclair Jones, on the condition that he be married."
Dictation sensation!
Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks below from Mrs Bentley's speech.
"I, Hector Melvin Jones, declare this to be my last [not done] will 1 and [not done] testament 2. In the [not done] event 3 of my [not done] death 4, I [not done] bequeath 5 the following to my grandson, Brian Alastair Sinclair Jones, on the condition that he be married."
Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks below from Mrs Bentley's speech.
"I, Hector Melvin Jones, declare this to be my last [not done] will 1 and [not done] testament 2. In the [not done] event 3 of my [not done] death 4, I [not done] bequeath 5 the following to my grandson, Brian Alastair Sinclair Jones, on the condition that he be married."
1 will: A "(legal) will" is an official document indicating distribution of possessions after death. Mrs Bentley reads a message from Brian's grandfather that declares "this to be my last will and testament". This is an official legal statement which is used to show that no other inheritance document is valid.
2 testament: A "testament" is another term for a "(legal) will". It is commonly used in legal English to refer to an official document indicating distribution of possessions after death.
3 event: "In the event of (something)" means "if (something) happens", or "in case it happens". Example: In the event of rain, the tennis match will be cancelled.
4 death: "Death" is the opposite of "life". It is common in "wills" or "testaments" to refer to one's "death".
5 bequeath: "To bequeath" is a legal term that means to leave or give (personal property) by a will or testament. Example: Bruno's grandfather bequeathed him a perfume shop.
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