life estate
Lifetime property interest
A life estate is a legal interest in property that lasts only as long as a specified person lives.
The holder can use and occupy the property but cannot sell or bequeath it—upon their death, ownership passes to a designated remainderman: My grandmother held a life estate in the house, which transferred to my uncle when she died.
Return to former state
- usufructRight to another's property
- dowerWidow's inheritance right
- curtesyWidower's life estate
- conveyanceTransfer of property rights
encumbrance · alienation · devisable · trusts · estoppel · easement · deed · title
Family farm and dwelling
- ownershipLegal right of possession
- occupancyState of inhabiting space
- residencePlace one inhabits
- domicilePermanent legal residence
dwelling · property · freehold · habitation · possession · improvements · habitable · real property
What's passed down
- bequestGift left by will
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- heirOne who receives legacy
- deviseeBeneficiary of bequeathed property
descendants · heritage · succession · testamentary · probate · will · decedent · surviving spouse
Renter's period of residence
- residencyState of dwelling somewhere
- durationLength of existence
- maintenancePreserving working condition
- occupationOne's regular paid work
living arrangement · holdover · expiration · term · enjoyment
reversion
Return to former state
conveyance · encumbrance · alienation · devisable · trusts · estoppel · easement · deed · title · interest
homestead
Family farm and dwelling
domicile · dwelling · property · freehold · habitation · possession · improvements · habitable · real property · land
legacy
What's passed down
- bequestGift left by will
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- heirOne who receives legacy
devisee · descendants · heritage · succession · testamentary · probate · will · decedent · surviving spouse · transfer
tenancy
Renter's period of residence
- residencyState of dwelling somewhere
- durationLength of existence
- maintenancePreserving working condition
occupation · living arrangement · holdover · expiration · term · enjoyment