Legal Definitions - conditional bequest

Conditional bequest is a term used in wills and trusts to add requirements to inheritances before the recipient can collect them. These conditions can be almost anything, as long as they do not go against public policy.

• Jackie leaves $100,000 to her nephew, but only after he turns 21.
• Louise leaves her house to her daughter, but only if her daughter graduates from college.

These examples illustrate how a person can add conditions to their bequests. In the first example, Jackie's nephew must wait until he is 21 years old before he can receive the money. In the second example, Louise's daughter must graduate from college before she can inherit the house.

It's important to note that a conditional bequest cannot violate public policy. For example, if Paul were to leave all of his estate to his friend John, but only if John divorces his wife, this condition would be against public policy and would not be valid.