Legatee

A legatee is an individual or entity designated in a will to receive a bequest or inheritance. This term is commonly used in legal contexts to describe those who are entitled to inherit property, money, or other assets upon the death of a testator. The legatee can be anyone from a family member to a friend or charitable organization, and their rights to the inheritance are protected under probate law.

Legatee meaning with examples

• After her mother's passing, Sarah learned she was the legatee of her family's oldest heirloom, a beautiful diamond necklace that had been handed down through generations.
• John, as the sole legatee of his late uncle's estate, was tasked with organizing the distribution of the remaining assets among family members, including multiple properties and a collection of vintage cars.
• In the event that a legatee does not survive the testator, the will may specify alternate beneficiaries or direct that the shares be included in the residuary of the estate.
• The legatee was pleasantly surprised when the lawyer revealed that, in addition to cash savings, she was also inheriting an extensive library filled with rare first editions.
• As a legatee of a charitable trust, the local animal shelter received a significant donation that greatly improved their facilities and allowed them to rescue more animals.