Definition: A life estate is a freehold interest whose duration is measured by the life of a specified person. That person may be the life tenant or someone else named in the conveyance.
Example
A deed gives Elena an interest for her lifetime, with possession passing to Marco afterward. Elena’s life estate ends when she dies.
Keep the distinction clear
The measuring life controls the end of the estate, not a fixed number of years. Transferring the life tenant’s interest does not extend it beyond that measuring life or automatically convey the future owner’s interest.
Related terms
Freehold Estate · Fee Simple Estate · Deed
Keep studying
Freehold vs. Leasehold Estates: How to Tell Them Apart
References: Cornell LII: Life estate
Pronunciation (US): LYFE ih-STAYT (capitals show stress)
Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster
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