Legal Definitions - pecuniary devise

A pecuniary devise refers to a specific gift of money, rather than physical property or other assets, that is made to an individual or organization through a last will and testament.

The term "pecuniary" relates to money, and "devise" traditionally refers to a gift of real estate in a will, but in modern usage, it is often used more broadly to describe any gift made through a will. Therefore, a pecuniary devise is simply a monetary gift specified in a will.

• Example 1: A will states, "I give the sum of $50,000 to my nephew, Michael Chen."

  Explanation: This is a pecuniary devise because the gift is a specific amount of money ($50,000) designated for a particular individual (Michael Chen) within the will.

• Example 2: A deceased person's will includes the clause, "I bequeath $10,000 to the 'Helping Hands Community Food Bank' located in my hometown."

  Explanation: This illustrates a pecuniary devise because it is a direct monetary contribution ($10,000) specified in the will to a charitable organization, rather than a gift of land, a house, or personal belongings.

• Example 3: A will specifies, "My friend, Eleanor Vance, shall receive $25,000 from my estate."

  Explanation: This is a pecuniary devise because it clearly outlines a fixed sum of money ($25,000) to be distributed from the estate to a named beneficiary (Eleanor Vance) as directed by the will.