Question

Fred owns a life estate and George has been named as the remainderman. When Fred dies:

a) Fred's son and other heirs will inherit the property
b) Fred's next nearest relative will inherit the property
c) The probate court will determine who receives the property
d) George will hold title to the property

Answer 1

When Fred dies, George will hold title to the property as the remainderman.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Fred, who owns a life estate, dies, the property will be transferred to the remainderman, George. The remainderman is the person who has been named to inherit the property after the death of the life estate holder. Therefore, option d) is correct, as George will hold title to the property.

Unlike a life estate, where the holder has the right to use and enjoy the property during their lifetime, the remainderman only has the right to the property after the life estate holder's death. The remainderman does not receive any ownership rights or benefits until that point.

This legal arrangement ensures that the property passes smoothly from one individual to another without the need for probate court involvement or the determination of heirs.