Legal Definitions - bequeathal

Bequeathal refers to the act of giving or transferring personal property, such as money, jewelry, vehicles, or other movable assets, to another person or entity through a will. This transfer of ownership takes effect only after the death of the person making the will.

It's important to note that while "bequeathal" specifically relates to personal property, the term for transferring real estate (like land or a house) through a will is typically "devise."

• Example 1: A Grandparent's Legacy

  An elderly woman, in her last will and testament, specifies that her collection of antique porcelain dolls should go to her granddaughter, who shares her passion for collecting. This act of formally designating the dolls for her granddaughter is a bequeathal.

  Explanation: The porcelain dolls are personal property, and the woman is formally transferring ownership of them to her granddaughter through her will, to take effect after her passing. This perfectly illustrates the act of bequeathal.

• Example 2: Supporting a Cause

  A philanthropist includes a clause in their will stating that $50,000 from their investment portfolio should be given to a local animal shelter upon their death. This specific instruction for the transfer of funds is a bequeathal.

  Explanation: The $50,000 is a sum of money, which is a form of personal property. The philanthropist is using their will to ensure this money is transferred to the animal shelter after their death, making it an act of bequeathal.

• Example 3: Passing on a Family Heirloom

  Before his passing, a father writes in his will that his vintage watch, a family heirloom passed down through generations, should be given to his eldest son. The father's action of formally assigning the watch to his son in his will constitutes a bequeathal.

  Explanation: The vintage watch is a piece of personal property. By specifying its transfer to his son in his will, the father is performing a bequeathal, ensuring the item passes to the intended recipient after his death.