Legal Definitions - expectant

In legal terms, expectant describes something that is not yet fully established or certain, but rather depends on a future event or condition occurring. It refers to a potential right, interest, or status that will only become definite if specific, uncertain circumstances unfold.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Inheritance

  Imagine a will that states a specific sum of money will be given to a grandchild, but only if their parent (the testator's child) passes away before the testator. In this situation, the grandchild has an expectant right to the money.

  This illustrates "expectant" because the grandchild's claim to the inheritance is not a present, guaranteed right. It is entirely dependent on the uncertain future event of their parent predeceasing the testator. If the parent outlives the testator, the grandchild's right to that specific sum might never materialize.

• Example 2: Property Interest

  Consider a scenario where a property owner grants their spouse the right to live in their house for the rest of the spouse's life, and then the house will pass to their children. The children, in this case, hold an expectant interest in the property.

  This demonstrates "expectant" because the children do not own the house now, nor do they have immediate possession. Their ownership will only become definite and possessory upon the future, uncertain event of their parent's death. Until that time, their interest is contingent upon that future event.

• Example 3: Contractual Bonus

  An employee is promised a significant bonus at the end of the year, provided the company achieves a specific revenue target. The employee's right to this bonus is expectant.

  This example shows "expectant" because the bonus is not a current, guaranteed entitlement. It depends entirely on the future contingency of the company meeting its revenue target. If the target is not met, the bonus will not be paid, and the employee's expectant right will not become a definite one.