Legal Definitions - devolve

Definition: Devolve is a legal term that means property is transferred from one person to another without any action from the previous owner. This usually happens when someone inherits property from a family member who has passed away.

For example, if your grandfather passes away and leaves you his house in his will, the property will devolve to you. This means that you will become the new owner of the house without having to do anything to transfer the ownership.

Another example of devolve is when a person dies without a will. In this case, their property will devolve to their closest living relatives according to the laws of the state where they lived.

Devolve is different from a voluntary transfer of property, such as selling a house or giving a gift. It happens automatically and without any action from the previous owner.