Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: international application originating in the United States
Executory remainder: This is another term for a contingent remainder, which means that the person who is supposed to receive the property after the current owner dies is not yet known. It is called "executory" because it is dependent on a future event happening, such as the death of the current owner or the occurrence of a specific condition. Until that event happens, the person who will receive the property is uncertain.
Definition: An executory remainder is a type of future interest in property that is created in a third party and takes effect only if a specific condition is met. It is similar to a contingent remainder, but differs in that it does not require the termination of a prior estate to become possessory.
Example: John conveys his property to his son, Tom, for life, with the remainder to Tom's children. However, if Tom dies without any children, the property will go to John's daughter, Sarah. In this scenario, Sarah has an executory remainder because her interest in the property is contingent upon the condition that Tom dies without any children.
Explanation: The example illustrates how an executory remainder is created in a third party and takes effect only if a specific condition is met. In this case, Sarah's interest in the property is contingent upon the condition that Tom dies without any children. If Tom has children, then Sarah's interest in the property will not take effect. Therefore, an executory remainder is a type of future interest that is subject to a condition precedent.