Devise
Also known as: Gift of real property
In one sentence
A gift of real property, such as land or a house, made through a will.
Plain English
A devise is a bequest specifically for real property—meaning land, a house, or any building or structure attached to land. When you devise property in your will, you're directing that real estate to go to a specific person after you die. The person who receives the devise is called the devisee.
Ad slot
Example
In his will, Tom devised his family farm to his oldest son and his beachfront cottage to his daughter.
Used in a sentence
“The devise of the commercial building in downtown Chicago went to the testator's business partner.”
Related terms
Bequest
A gift of personal property left to someone in a will.
Executor
The person appointed to carry out the instructions in a will.
Probate Estate
Property owned by a deceased person that passes through the court-supervised probate process.
Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
Ademption
When a specific gift in a will is removed or no longer exists at the person's death.
Probate
The court process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.
Elective Share
A surviving spouse's right to claim a portion of the deceased spouse's estate despite the will.
Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions.
This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.