Legal Definitions - demi

The term demi refers to half or a portion amounting to half. It is most frequently used as a prefix, combining with other words to indicate that something is half of a whole, or partially complete.

• Example 1: Property Ownership
  In a complex estate settlement, a will might stipulate that a beneficiary receives a demi-share of a particular asset, such as a vacation home or a collection of artwork. This means the beneficiary is entitled to half of the ownership of that specific item, rather than a full share or a different fractional amount.

  This example illustrates demi by showing it used as a prefix to denote a half-portion of ownership in a legal context, specifically within inheritance law.

• Example 2: Contractual Payments
  A construction contract for a large project might include a clause for a demi-payment to be made upon the completion of the foundation, with the remaining balance due only after the entire structure is finished. This initial payment covers half of the agreed-upon total cost for the project.

  Here, demi signifies half of the total financial obligation, demonstrating its use in defining a partial payment schedule within a contractual agreement.

• Example 3: Lease Agreements
  A commercial lease for office space might specify a demi-term review clause, allowing both the landlord and tenant to renegotiate certain conditions, such as rent or maintenance responsibilities, at the halfway point of the total lease duration. For instance, in a ten-year lease, this review would occur after five years.

  This example highlights demi indicating half of a defined period, illustrating its application in structuring specific milestones or review points within a legal agreement like a lease.