Bequest

Estate Documents

A gift of personal property or money left to a named person or organization through a will.

A bequest is property given through a will. The person making the gift is the testator, and the recipient is a beneficiary. Modern Arizona law uses the broader term devise for any property gift in a will, but bequest remains in common use.

Types of Bequests

A specific bequest names a particular item or account, such as a wedding ring or a specific brokerage account. A general bequest is a stated dollar amount paid from any estate funds. A residuary bequest covers everything left after debts, taxes, and other gifts.

What Happens If the Asset Is Gone

If a specifically bequeathed item is no longer in the estate at death, the gift may be adeemed (treated as canceled). General and residuary bequests can be reduced by abatement when estate funds run short. A well-drafted will spells out the order of payment to avoid surprises.