conditional bequest

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Conditional bequest is a term added to a gift before the recipient can collect the gift. Conditional bequests usually appear in wills and trusts for people wanting to place requirements on inheritances. These conditions can be almost anything imaginable as long as they do not violate public policy. For example:

  1. Jackie could bequest to her nephew $100,000 after attaining the age of 21.
  2. Louise can bequest her house to her daughter on the condition that the daughter graduates college. 
  3. Public policy would nullify a conditional bequest that Paul would receive all of Jack’s estate if Paul divorces his wife. 

[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]