Definition

1. Noun:
   • A legal interest in property that lasts only for the lifetime of the person who holds it: An "estate for life" is a type of ownership or right to use property (like land or a house) that is granted to a person (called the life tenant) for the duration of their life. Upon the death of the life tenant, the property automatically passes to another designated person (the remainderman).

Usage

• This term is used primarily in the context of property law and legal documents.
• It describes a non-permanent, possessory interest in real property.
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Life estate": This is a more common, synonymous term for "estate for life". The holder is the "life tenant".
• "Pur autre vie": A less common type of life estate, meaning "for the life of another," where the duration is measured by the lifetime of a person other than the grantee.

Variants and Related Words

• Life estate (n): The more frequently used term for an estate for life.
• Life tenant (n): The person who holds the estate for life.
• Remainder (n): The future interest in the property that takes effect after the estate for life ends.
• Remainderman (n): The person who is entitled to the property after the life tenant dies.

Synonyms

• Life interest: A right to use property or receive income from it for life.
• Life tenancy: The possession of property as a life tenant.

Related Legal Concepts

• Fee simple: The opposite of a life estate; it is the most complete ownership interest in land, with no time limit.
• Lease for life: A similar but distinct arrangement, often created by a lease agreement rather than a grant of ownership interest.

Noun

1. (law) an estate whose duration is limited to the life of the person holding it