Kansas Funeral Director Practice Exam

A gift of personal property received through a will is referred to as what?

1. Inheritance

2. Bequest

3. Legacy

4. Devise

The correct answer is: Bequest

A gift of personal property received through a will is specifically referred to as a bequest. This term is used to describe a testamentary transfer of personal items, such as jewelry, art, or other possessions. It captures the intention of the deceased to convey specific items to designated individuals upon their passing. The usage of "bequest" serves to underscore the distinction between types of transfers in testamentary documents. In the context of estate planning and wills, distinguishing between bequests (personal property) and devises (real property) is essential for clear legal understanding. This distinction helps clarify the intentions of the testator when creating a will. Using the term "inheritance" may create some confusion, as it generally refers to the broader concept of receiving assets from an estate, which can include both real and personal property. Similarly, "legacy" is often used interchangeably with bequest in a lay context but technically can refer to a bequest of personal property. A "devise," on the other hand, strictly pertains to the transfer of real property. Thus, the term "bequest" accurately describes the specific transfer of personal property intended by the testator in a will.