Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
executory devise
Read a random definition: ambasciator
A quick definition of executory devise:
An executory devise is when someone leaves property to someone else in their will, but it only takes effect if a certain thing happens in the future. For example, if someone leaves their house to their child, but only if the child gets married. It's like a special rule that only applies if something specific happens. It's different from just giving someone property outright in a will.A more thorough explanation:
Definition: An interest in land created by a will that takes effect in the future and depends on a future contingency. It is a type of conditional limitation that differs from a remainder in three ways: (1) it needs no particular estate to support it, (2) with it a fee simple or lesser estate can be limited after a fee simple, and (3) with it a remainder can be limited in a chattel interest after a particular estate for life is created in that interest.
Example: If a person writes in their will that their house will go to their daughter, but only if she graduates from college, then this is an executory devise. The daughter will only receive the house if she meets the condition of graduating from college.
This example illustrates how an executory devise is a future interest that depends on a future contingency. The daughter will only receive the house if she meets the condition of graduating from college, which is uncertain at the time the will is written.