Legal Definitions - pecuniary bequest

A pecuniary bequest is a gift of a specific sum of money made to a person or organization through a will. It is a fixed monetary amount, rather than a share of the estate's total value or a specific item of property.

• Example 1: In her will, Ms. Chen includes a provision that states, "I give the sum of $75,000 to my grandson, David Miller."

  Explanation: This is a pecuniary bequest because Ms. Chen is gifting a precise monetary amount ($75,000) to David. He will receive this specific cash sum, not a percentage of her overall estate or a particular asset like a car or a piece of art.

• Example 2: A will contains the clause, "I bequeath $5,000 to the 'Friends of the Public Library' organization."

  Explanation: This demonstrates a pecuniary bequest as the will designates a specific cash sum ($5,000) to a charitable organization. The library organization is entitled to receive this exact amount of money, irrespective of the value of other assets in the estate.

• Example 3: Mr. Rodriguez's will specifies, "I direct my executor to pay $100,000 to my sister, Maria Rodriguez, to be used for the care and education of her children."

  Explanation: This is another instance of a pecuniary bequest. Mr. Rodriguez has allocated a fixed monetary sum ($100,000) to his sister for a specified purpose. The sister will receive this exact cash amount, which she can then apply as directed for her children.