general bequest

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bequest of a designated quantity or value of property or money out of the general assets of the testator's estate, rather than from any specific fund or property.

For example, “I leave $50,000 to B as an inheritance,” rather than “I leave my car with the license plate number 1234 to B as an inheritance.” The estate's general assets are used to cover the bequest. There are some situations where the amount of the bequest must be adjusted because the value of the estate may rise or fall over time, such as fulfilling creditor claims.

Compare: specific bequest

[Last updated in January of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]