Legal Definitions - bequest

Bequest is a type of gift that is given through a will. It usually refers to personal property, but it can also refer to real property if the will clearly states that it is a bequest. Bequests can have conditions attached to them, such as only being effective after certain events occur. They can also be specific assets or a residue of what remains after other gifts have been made.

• John's will stated that he wanted to leave his antique watch collection to his grandson as a bequest.
• Martha's will stated that she wanted to leave her house to her daughter as a bequest.
• David's will stated that he wanted to leave 10% of his estate to charity as a bequest.

These examples illustrate how bequests can be used to give personal or real property to someone after the person making the will has passed away. They also show how bequests can be specific or general, and can have conditions attached to them.