Legal Definitions - universal legatee

A universal legatee is an individual or entity designated in a will to receive the entirety, or nearly the entirety, of a deceased person's estate. This typically means they inherit all remaining assets after any debts, taxes, and specific gifts (known as "specific bequests" or "specific legacies") have been paid or distributed to others. Essentially, the universal legatee receives the "residue" of the estate, which often represents the bulk of the deceased's wealth.

• Example 1: Sarah, an elderly woman with no immediate family, drafts a will stating, "I leave all my property, both real and personal, to my dear friend, Mark Johnson." After Sarah's passing, her estate consists of her house, bank accounts, and investments. Once any outstanding bills and funeral expenses are settled, Mark, as the universal legatee, will inherit everything that remains.

  Explanation: In this scenario, Mark is named to receive all of Sarah's assets without any specific items being given to others first. He is the sole beneficiary of the entire estate, making him the universal legatee.

• Example 2: David's will specifies that his vintage car should go to his nephew, and a sum of $10,000 should be given to his alma mater. The will then states, "I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to my wife, Emily." David's estate includes his home, other vehicles, various investments, and personal belongings.

  Explanation: While David made two specific gifts, his wife Emily is designated to receive everything else that is left over after those specific bequests and any debts are handled. She inherits the vast majority of the estate, qualifying her as the universal legatee.

• Example 3: A wealthy philanthropist, Mr. Chen, creates a will that leaves a collection of antique books to a local library and a small trust fund to his housekeeper. The will then declares that "all remaining assets, including real estate, stocks, bonds, and bank accounts, shall be donated to the Global Health Foundation."

  Explanation: After the specific gifts to the library and housekeeper are fulfilled, the Global Health Foundation is set to receive the substantial majority of Mr. Chen's wealth. This makes the Global Health Foundation the universal legatee, as it inherits the bulk of the estate's residue.