A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Administrators
People appointed to sort out your affairs according to the law when a Will has not been made.
Advance
The payment of mortgage monies by a lender.
APR
Annual Percentage Rate. A yardstick to help compare interest rates among lenders. It takes into account extra items such as booking fees.
Assignment
The transfer of a lease.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
This is a condition that can occur in people with a spinal cord injury at T6 and above. It is a massive rise in blood pressure as a result of some problem below the level of injury, that if untreated can cause a stroke or even death.
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B
Baclofen
Baclofen is an anti-spasmodic drug frequently used to help people with spinal cord injury who suffer from spasms. It can be administered in pill form (orally) or by injection to the base of the spine (intrathecal) or by means of a pump which is inserted at the base of the spine to give doses at regular intervals.
Bank draft
The payment of funds guaranteed by a bank.
Beneficiary
An individual or organisation that is to receive something from your Will.
Bridging loan
A short term loan.
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C
Campylobacter
- A bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter.
- Incubation period is 3 days; it can range from 1 to 7 days.
- Symptoms vary a lot, but include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and sometimes vomiting.
- Some people do not display any symptoms.
- Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Most cases are associated with handling or eating undercooked poultry and can be transmitted by cross contamination of food caused by poor hygiene and catering practices.
Catheter
A catheter is a tube with a hole at each end which can be used for draining the bladder. Many people with spinal cord injury use catheters intermittently for this purpose. Others have a Supra pubic Catheter, which is a catheter that is inserted into the bladder through the stomach wall.
Cauda Equina Injury
A Cauda Equina injury is an injury to the bottom of the spinal cord: the lumbar vertebrae and or the sacral vertebrae. This causes loss of sensation and control over the bladder, bowels and sexual function. It can also cause loss of power and sensation to the lower limbs. Also it results in loss of reflexes which makes it harder to manage loss of bladder and bowel control.
Cervical Vertebrae
The cervical vertebrae are the vertebrae in your neck. There are seven of them. If you damage your spinal cord at this level then you will be paralysed to some degree in your arms as well as your body and legs. The higher the break the more muscles will be affected. If your injury is above C4 then your breathing may also be affected.
CHAPS payment
The electronic payment of funds in cleared form by one bank to another.
Charge
A debt secured on the property. Monies borrowed from a lender for the purchase of a house are usually secured against the property.
Charge or Land certificate
The main ownership document of the property.
Chattels and Movables
Your furniture, car and personal possessions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome compensation claims
CFS is a complex of symptoms including lethargy, insomnia, depression, joint pains, lack of concentration and general malaise. Research has shown a link between IBS and CFS.
Codicil
A change or addition made to an existing Will.
Collateral
Security pledged for repayment of a loan.
Common land search
Enquiries to establish if anyone has any rights of grazing or fishing over a property.
Complete
If you have a complete lesion it means that you have lost the use of all your muscles and you have lost all sensation below the level of your injury.
Completion
The day on which the purchase of a property happens. The day that you move.
Condition of sale
A legal term of the contract governing the purchase.
Contract
The legally binding agreement between buyer and seller.
Conveyancing
General term for the legal process of buying and selling land.
Covenants
Rules and conditions contained in the deeds that relate to the use of the property.
Creditor
Someone who is owed money.
Cryptosporidium
- Caused by a parasitic protozoa (single celled animal) called cryptosporidium parvum.
- Incubation period is 2 – 10 days, so you may not start to show symptoms until after you return home.
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, headaches and weight loss. Some infected people display no symptoms and do not appear to be ill.
- Diagnosis of infection can be made through laboratory testing of a stool sample.
- Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Transmitted via the faecal - oral route, usually in water. For example if someone has an "accident" in the pool and then you swallow the contaminated water.
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D
Deed of covenant
A document stating that someone will comply with the rules and conditions affecting a property.
Deposit
Part of the purchase price which is paid on exchange of contracts to confirm commitment to the purchase.
Domicile
You are domiciled in the country of your birth or the country of birth of your parents unless you have given up your original domicile by living permanently in another country and have broken all ties with your original country of domicile. If this has occurred you may acquire the domicile of the country in which you now live.
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E
E-Coli
- A bacterial infection caused by one of many strains of the bacterium Escherichia Coli.
- Most strains of E-Coli are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans.
- There are different strains of E-Coli around the world, so when you travel abroad you can get re-colonised by the local strain, causing stomach upset.
- The 0157 strain of E-Coli produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.
- Incubation period is between 1 - 6 days.
- Symptoms include severe bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms.
- Can lead to long term symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney damage, paralysis and blindness. In extreme cases it can be fatal.
- Transmitted via the faecal - oral route, usually due to poor hygiene standards. For example, if food such as beef or beef products has not been cooked properly, or by drinking unpasteurised milk.
Easement
A right granted over another's property (such as a right of way).
Encumbrance
An (usually unfavourable) obligation affecting a property.
Endowment mortgage
A mortgage covered by a policy that is designed to pay off the capital owed on the mortgage by the end of the term of the mortgage.
Engrossment
A document in its final form to be signed by all relevant parties.
Estate
Everything you own at the time of your death.
Exchange of contracts
The stage at which the transaction between the seller and the buyer becomes legally binding.
Executor/s
The person or persons appointed by you to look after your affairs and make sure the wishes expressed in your Will are carried out.
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F
Freehold
Outright ownership of a property and the land on which it stands.
Fully Comprehensive Will Writing Service
This service is aimed at people who would like the reassurance that their will has been reviewed by one of our legal professionals. It is nearer to the traditional Will Writing process that people may be more familiar with.
Under this service you will be able to access our will writing software for up to 48 hours immediately after you have made your purchase.
During this period you are able to make small changes to your Will. At the end of this 48 hour period your Will is "frozen". Our team of legal professionals will then review your Will via our online system.
If there is any part of the Will which causes them concern, they will contact you to discuss your wishes. They will then provide you with a draft Will which you access by returning to the Will Writing website.
When you are required to review your draft will and make sure it accurately reflects your wishes. At this point you also have a further opportunity to let us know of any last minutes changes that we need to make.
Once you have approved your draft Will; our team will print and bind the approved version. Your bound Will, a copy and the easy to follow signing guide will all be sent to you in the post. You are then responsible for ensuring your Will is signed and witnessed correctly.
Each of our will writing services is offered in both single and mirror will options.
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G
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a general medical term used to describe any illness which involves diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain etc.
Giardia
- Caused by a parasitic protozoa (single celled animal) called giardia lamblia.
- Incubation period is 5 - 25 days.
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dehydration and weight loss.
- Some infected people display no symptoms.
- Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- The commonest way to catch Giardia is to eat food or drink water that has become contaminated with human or animal sewage in some way.
Ground rent
Annual payments made to a landlord. This applies only to leasehold properties.
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H
Headlease
A leasehold term that is granted out of the freehold estate. The Headlease may be subject to subleases.
Homebuyer survey
This report is less detailed than a full building survey. It gives general details of a property i.e. age, state of repair and valuation. Most Lenders will accept this sort of report.
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I
Incomplete
If you have an incomplete spinal cord injury it means that you still have some control over the muscles below the level of your injury and/or you have some sensation below the level of injury.
Intestate and Intestacy
If you die without having made a valid Will, the Law declares you to be intestate and decides how your possessions should be shared out. Intestacy is the name for this situation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- IBS is a complex of symptoms which can include diarrhoea/loose stools, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating.
- There is clear scientific evidence of a link between gastric infections and IBS.
- IBS can lead to further complications to include the development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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J
Joint tenants
When property is owned by two people as "joint tenants", on the death of the first of those people, the property passes outright to the survivor regardless of what is contained in the deceased's will.
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L
Landlord
One who owns property and rents it to others.
Land Registry
A government department which maintains the national property register.
Lease
A document made between a landlord and a tenant, setting out the terms of occupation of a property.
Leasehold
The occupier owns the right to reside in a property for a fixed term but does not own the land on which it stands.
Legacy
A specific item or sum of money left in a Will.
Lesion
This means the level at which power and sensation are lost. It is not always the level at which the injury occurred.
Licence to assign
The formal permission given by a landlord for a buyer to purchase the leasehold of a property.
Local search
Enquiries made of a local authority concerning planning and services.
Lumbar Vertebrae
There are 5 lumbar vertebrae below your thoracic vertebrae. If your injury is at this level you will lose the power in your legs, bladder and bowels.
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M
Management company
A company formed to comply with a landlords' obligations under a lease.
Mortgage
A loan secured against a property. In the event of non-payment, there is usually a right to sell the property.
Mortgage indemnity policy
An insurance policy taken out by a mortgagee to cover any loss in the event of a forced sale. Usually, the company providing the policy has the legal right to recover the loss from the borrower.
Mortgage protection policy
An insurance policy which guarantees mortgage payments in certain circumstances such as unemployment.
Mortgagee
A money lender, such as a building society or bank, who secures the loan against a property.
Mortgagor
The borrower who gives security to the lender.
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N
NHBC
National House Builders Council. The NHBC provide a ten year warranty against major structural defects for new properties.
Norwalk Virus / Norovirus
- Highly contagious.
- Incubation period is between 12 - 48 hours.
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and frequent projectile vomiting.
- Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Diagnosis by stool sample is possible, but difficult.
- Typically transmitted via the faecal - oral route and by the vomit - oral route.
- In the context of holiday claims, Norwalk virus is most commonly linked with cruise ships. This may be due to the close living quarters, common food and drink being freely available and circulation amongst infected crew members as well as passengers.
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O
Office copy entries
Certified copies of the land or charge certificate, obtained from the Land Registry, confirming ownership of the property.
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P
Paraplegia
This is the word used to describe someone who has an injury to their back causing partial or complete paralysis below the level of injury. They will still have power and sensation in their hands and arms, but they will lose some or all power and sensation in their body, legs, bladder, bowels and sexual function.
Personal representative
The person appointed by a will to act for the deceased owner.
Probate
The legal procedure to establish Executors who will administer your Estate.
Professional Print Service
This service offers the benefit of having your Will professionally printed and bound in a "tamper proof" fastening. It is suitable for people who want to write a simple Will but would like to receive a Will document which feels robust and will resist the rigours and accidental damage that storage can sometimes have on a document.
Under this service you will be able to access our Will writing software for up to 48 hours immediately after you have made your purchase. During this period you are able to make small changes to your Will. At the end of the 48 hour period your Will is "frozen" and our team will print and bind this frozen version. Your bound Will, a copy and the easy to follow signing guide will all be sent to you in the post. You are then responsible for ensuring your Will is signed and witnessed correctly.
This service DOES NOT include any legal advice and your Will will not be reviewed by a legal professional.
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Q
Quarter days
A lease will often specify that the rent and/or service charges are payable on "the usual quarter days". The usual quarter days are: 25 March - Lady Day, 24 June - Midsummer Day, 29 September - Michaelmas, 25 December - Christmas.
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R
Redemption
Paying off a mortgage.
Registered land
Land which is registered has its ownership details recorded at the Land Registry.
Renal disease and rheumatoid disease
- Can be a complication triggered by the initial acute phase of gastric illness.
- Symptoms may include joint pains, irritation of the eyes and painful urination collectively know as Reiter's Syndrome leading to chronic arthritis. Treatment is usually with antibiotics.
Repayment mortgage
A mortgage where the borrower makes interest and capital payments to the lender.
Requisition on title
Queries raised about the ownership of the property and how that ownership will be transferred.
Residue
The sum that is left from your Estate when all debts, costs and gifts have been deducted.
Retention
Monies held back from a mortgage advance pending completion of conditions attached to the mortgage offer.
Rota Virus
- A viral infection.
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, severe dehydration and fever.
- Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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S
Sacral Vertebrae
The Sacral vertebrae are below your lumbar vertebrae, leading down to the coccyx. An injury at this level will probably mean you can walk but your have a reduction is sensation in your feet and you will lose control over your bladder and bowels.
Salmonella
• Salmonella is a bacterium which is one of the most common causes of food poisoning world-wide. The bacterium are found particularly in poultry, eggs, unprocessed milk, meat and water. They can also be carried by pets such as turtles and birds.
• After contaminated food has been consumed, symptoms usually occur within 8 and 24 hours; it can range from 4 to 48 hours.
• Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. In some cases, diarrhoea can be so severe that hospitalisation for re-hydration may be necessary. In rare cases (particularly in the elderly or the very young) infection may result in very severe illness or even death.
• Diagnosis of infection can be made through laboratory testing of a stool sample. Many people usually recover completely but some will go on to develop conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and joint pain, irritation of the eyes and painful urination known as Reiter's Syndrome leading to chronic arthritis. Treatment is usually with antibiotics.
• Bacteria causing Salmonella can be transmitted by cross contamination of food caused by poor hygiene and catering practices, or by contamination from infected faeces.
Service charge
Money requested by a landlord for repairs and maintenance to a property.
Settlor
A person who places assets into a trust.
Shigella
• A bacterial infection caused by consumption of infected foods.
• Incubation period is 12 hours – 3 days.
• Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and weight loss.
• Can lead to long term symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• The commonest way to catch Shigella is to eat food or drink water that has become contaminated with human or animal sewage in some way.
Spasm
Many people with spinal cord injury suffer from spasms, which are involuntary movements of the paralysed muscles. Some people find they can use their spasms to assist them, for example when transferring. However some people find their spasm are so bad that they need anti-spasmodic medication to relieve them.
Spinal Stenosis
This is a medical condition which can occur due to excessive bone growth around a damaged vertebrae. The additional growth causes a reduction in the size of the spinal canal, which then puts pressure on the spinal cord.
Stamp duty
Tax charged to buyers purchasing properties for more than £125,000 (residential) and £150,000 (commercial).
Subject to contract
Negotiations which do not become binding until contracts are exchanged.
Structural survey
An assessment of the essential framework of a building.
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T
Tenant
A person who pays rent to another for the use of a property or land.
Tenants in common
Where two or more people own a property as "tenants in common", and one of those people dies, the deceased's share of the property will pass according to what has been stated in the deceased's Will (or according to the rules of intestacy, in the event of no will having been made).
Tenure
The type of property: Freehold or leasehold.
Term
A period of time, such as the length of a mortgage.
Testator or Testatrix
The person making the Will i.e. you if it is your Will.
Tetraplegia
This is the word used to describe someone who has an injury at the cervical level and therefore has a loss or reduction in power and sensation in their hands, arms, body, legs, bladder, bowels and sexual function.
Thoracic Vertebrae
The thoracic vertebrae run down your back as far as your waist. There are 12 of them. If you injure your spinal cord at this level you will be paralysed below the chest or the waist depending on the level of your break. You will have full use of your arms and hands.
Title
The documentary history of the ownership of a property.
Transfer
The document passing the ownership of the property to the buyer.
Trustee
The word for an Executor who has to look after any part of your Estate that is subject to continuing Trust.
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U
Underlease
A leasehold term which is granted from a longer leasehold term.
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V
Valuation
An assessment of a property's value.
Vendor
The Seller.
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W
Will
Everyone should make a Will regardless of the value of their assets. If you die without making a Will then the law will deal with your Estate and how it is divided and this may not be in accordance with your wishes. Contrary to popular belief under the law everything does not automatically pass to a wife when her husband dies.
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