A devisee is a person designated in a will to receive a “devise”, which is defined as a testamentary disposition of real property (real estate or land).
What you need to know
A devisee’s inheritance is strictly land and real estate, not personal property
A devisee does not have to be related to the decedent
All devisees are beneficiaries, but not all beneficiaries are devisees.
Broadly speaking, a devisee is someone who receives real property, meaning land and the structures attached to it, from a decedent’s will.
In other words, devisees are just a specific type of beneficiary.
A devisee does not have to be related to the decedent, and as long as the writer of the will (testator) passes someone (family member, friend, neighbor) real property, they are considered a devisee.
Devisee vs. Beneficiary
Devisees are a specific type of beneficiary. Since beneficiaries are anyone who receives something from an estate and devisees are people who receive real estate or structures from a will, all devisees are beneficiaries, but not all beneficiaries are devisees.
A probate guide written for people who aren’t lawyers
Probate is notoriously confusing. Small estate affidavits, formal vs. simple administration, executors & executrixes— there’s more than enough jargon to make your head spin. We get it, and that’s why we made a probate guide that actually tells you what you need to know without assuming anything. You’ll walk away with a tangible timeline, actionable next steps and real clarity on what probate actually means for you and your family.
Jim passed away a few months ago in Charlotte. He owned a small plot of land outside of the city. He also owned a 1960 Ford Mustang. In his will, Jim left the small plot of land (real property) to his neighbor, Julie, making her the devisee. Jim also stated in his will to leave his 1960 Ford Mustang (personal property) to his son, Jack, making him a beneficiary but not a devisee.
In collaboration with
Jack Wilkes
Jack is currently attending Campbell University studying Trust and Wealth Management and will begin pursuing his MBA in the Fall. Jack grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a member of the Campbell University Football Team.
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