Legal Definitions - ante mortem interest

ANTE MORTEM INTEREST

Ante mortem interest is a legal term that refers to an interest that exists before the death of a person but does not continue after their death.

For example, if a person sells their property but retains the right to live in it until their death, they have an ante mortem interest in the property. Once they pass away, their interest in the property ends, and the new owner takes full possession.

Another example is a life insurance policy. The policyholder has an ante mortem interest in the policy, as they are the one who benefits from it while they are alive. However, once they pass away, their interest in the policy ends, and the beneficiaries receive the benefits.

Ante mortem interest is a legal concept that helps define the rights and ownership of property and assets. It is important to understand this term when dealing with estate planning, wills, and trusts. The examples illustrate how ante mortem interest works in different situations and how it affects the transfer of ownership after a person's death.