Legal Definitions - remainder bequest

A remainder bequest is a type of bequest in which the testator leaves the remainder of their estate to a beneficiary after all debts, legacies, and specific bequests have been paid. It is also known as a residuary bequest.

For example, a testator may leave specific bequests to their children and grandchildren, but then leave the remainder of their estate to a charity. This means that the charity will receive whatever is left over after all the other gifts have been distributed.

Another example is if a testator leaves a specific bequest of their house to their spouse, but then leaves the remainder of their estate to their children. This means that the spouse will receive the house, but the children will receive everything else that is left over.

Overall, a remainder bequest is a way for a testator to ensure that their entire estate is distributed according to their wishes, even if they have not specifically named every beneficiary in their will.