Ademption

Plain English

Ademption happens when someone leaves a specific item in their will—like their grandmother's diamond ring or a particular piece of real estate—but that item is no longer part of their estate when they die. Maybe they sold it, gave it away, or it was destroyed. In most cases, the person who was supposed to receive that gift gets nothing instead; the gift simply vanishes. The key difference from other will problems is that it's about the gift itself disappearing, not about the will being unclear or challenged.

Example

Sarah's will says her nephew gets her vintage car. Before Sarah dies, she sells the car to pay medical bills. When Sarah passes away, her nephew cannot claim the car or its value—the gift has been adempted, and he receives nothing unless the will says otherwise.

Used in a sentence

“The ademption of the bequest meant the beneficiary received nothing when the promised property no longer existed.”

Related terms