Devisee Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Devisee, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Devisee?

n. The person who receives real property through a gift in a will. The term covers those receiving any type of gift by a will since the distinction between gifts of real property and personal property is actually blurred.

History and Meaning of Devisee

A devisee is a person who is named in a will to receive real property or any other gift. Devisee comes from the Latin word "deviseare," which means to dispose of by will. The term has been in use in English law for centuries, and it still holds the same meaning today.

A will is a legal document that details how a person's assets will be distributed after their death. The person writing the will is known as the testator, and the people named in the will to receive gifts are the devisees. The term is most commonly used in relation to real estate since a testator can devise their property to whomever they choose.

Examples of Devisee

Here are a few examples of how the term devisee might be used in different contexts:

  1. John's father passed away and left him a house in his will. John is now the devisee of the property.
  2. After her death, Mary's will named her niece as the devisee of her antique collection.
  3. In his will, Thomas devised his entire estate to the local animal shelter.

Legal Terms Similar to Devisee

Here are a few related terms in estate law:

  1. Legatee: A person who inherits personal property through a gift in a will.
  2. Heir: A person who inherits property if the deceased did not leave a will.
  3. Executor: A person named in a will to manage the deceased's estate.