Legal Definitions - caveatee

A caveatee is an individual or entity whose legal interest or proposed action is formally challenged or put on hold by a "caveat." A caveat is a formal notice filed by a "caveator" (the person issuing the challenge) to prevent a specific action from proceeding without their claim being considered. Essentially, the caveatee is the party whose plans or rights are temporarily blocked or questioned due to someone else's formal objection.

• Example 1 (Property Registration): Sarah is in the process of purchasing a piece of land. She has signed the sale agreement and is ready to register the transfer of ownership into her name at the land registry. However, before the registration can be finalized, a neighbor, Mr. Henderson, files a caveat claiming he has an unregistered right-of-way (an easement) across a portion of the land that was not disclosed.

  Explanation: In this scenario, Sarah is the caveatee. Her interest in registering the land in her name is challenged and temporarily prevented from proceeding by Mr. Henderson's caveat. She cannot complete the registration until Mr. Henderson's claim regarding the easement is addressed and resolved.

• Example 2 (Probate of a Will): After her father's passing, Emily presents his will to the court for probate, which is the legal process of proving the will's validity and authorizing the distribution of assets. Her estranged brother, Mark, believes the will was made under undue influence and files a caveat with the court, formally objecting to its validity.

  Explanation: Emily is the caveatee. Her interest in having her father's will officially recognized and executed (probated) is challenged by Mark's caveat. The court cannot proceed with validating the will until Mark's objection is heard and resolved.

• Example 3 (Business License Application): A new restaurant, "The Gilded Spoon," applies for a liquor license from the local municipal authority. Before the license can be granted, a resident living nearby, Ms. Chen, files a caveat with the authority, citing concerns about potential noise disturbances and increased traffic in the residential area if the license is approved.

  Explanation: "The Gilded Spoon" is the caveatee. Their interest in obtaining a liquor license is challenged and delayed by Ms. Chen's caveat. The municipal authority will likely pause the license application process to consider Ms. Chen's objections before making a final decision.