Legal Definition
“Beneficiary” means a person to whom a donative transfer of property is made or that person’s successor in interest, and:
(a) As it relates to the intestate estate of a decedent, means an heir.
(b) As it relates to the testate estate of a decedent, means a devisee.
(c) As it relates to a trust, means a person who has any present or future interest, vested or contingent.
(d) As it relates to a charitable trust, includes any person entitled to enforce the trust.
Basic Definition
Section 24: “Beneficiary” means a person to whom a donative transfer of property is made or that person’s successor in interest.
In-Depth Overview & Use Cases
Section 24 of the California Probate Code defines “beneficiary” in various contexts, including heirs of intestate estates, devisees under a will, and individuals with interests in trusts. It encompasses both vested and contingent interests and includes persons enforcing charitable trusts. This definition aids in categorizing parties involved in estate administration.
Application & Relevance
Probate attorneys rely on this section to identify and clarify the roles of individuals entitled to inherit or enforce trust provisions. It ensures proper administration of estates and legal protections for beneficiaries, especially in disputes over inheritance or fiduciary duties.
Legal Scenario
Trust Disputes
Probate Code Impact
Section 24 is crucial in identifying beneficiaries in trust disputes. It determines who can challenge trust provisions, especially in cases where a trust’s terms are unclear or contested.
Legal Scenario
Trust Administration Attorney
Probate Code Impact
In trust administration, this section ensures that the trustee knows who the legitimate beneficiaries are and helps resolve any disputes that arise regarding inheritance rights. It’s essential for ensuring proper asset distribution and legal protections.
