Definitions For Estates In Land And Future Interests

Front 1

Convey

Back 1

A person "conveys" land when that person transfers it to someone else. The land can be conveyed by sale or gift. In either case, the transaction is a "conveyance."

Front 2

Escheat

Back 2

If a decedent has no heirs or devisees, the interest in land "escheats" (passes) to the state.

Front 3

Collaterals

Back 3

All blood relatives other than issue or ancestors. Collaterals include siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Front 4

Ancestors

Back 4

A person's biological forbears all the way up the line. Ancestors include parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and all other lineal forbears.

Front 5

Issue

Back 5

A person's lineal descendants all the way down the line. Issue include children, grandchildren, and all other lineal descendants to the point where the biological line dies out.

Front 6

Bequest and Bequeath

Back 6

To "bequeath" is to pass personal property by will. A decedent who dies testate "bequeaths" his or her personal property to those named in the will. The property itself is called a "bequest."

Front 7

Devise and Devisee

Back 7

To "devise" is to pass real property by will. The person receiving the property is a "devisee." Notice that "heirs" and "devisees" do not mean the same thing. Devisees are beneficiaries under a will. Heirs inherit property not disposed of by a will.

Front 8

Descedent

Back 8

A dead person

Front 9

Testate and Intestate

Back 9

A decedent dies "testate" if he or she dies with a will. A decedent dies "intestate" if he or she dies without a will.

Front 10

Heirs

Back 10

are the people who inherit real property from a decedent who dies intestate (without a will). Heirs are identified by statute in each state. They usually include the person's spouse and children. Living people have no heirs - only heirs apparent.