ABRIDGED INHERITANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Abridged inheritance refers to a situation in which the transmission of an individual's property or assets to their heirs is limited or restricted in some way, usually resulting in a reduction of what the heirs would typically receive. It is a concept that is primarily associated with legal systems that recognize the right to testate, meaning the right of individuals to determine through a will or testament the distribution of their wealth upon their death.
An abridged inheritance typically occurs when an individual exercises their right to testate by specifying certain conditions, restrictions, or limitations on the transfer of their assets to their heirs. This could involve stating that a certain portion of the estate is to be allocated to specific beneficiaries or charities, while the remaining portion is to be distributed among the heirs. It can also entail excluding certain individuals from inheriting anything or reducing their entitled share.
The intention behind an abridged inheritance can vary significantly. It may be a result of the testator's desire to support a particular cause or prioritize specific individuals or organizations over others. Furthermore, it could be a strategy to mitigate potential conflicts or disputes among heirs, ensuring a fair and smooth distribution of assets that aligns with the testator's wishes.
Ultimately, an abridged inheritance is a legal mechanism that allows individuals to customize the way their wealth is distributed upon their death, deviating from the default rules of intestate succession.
Etymology of ABRIDGED INHERITANCE
The word "abridged" is derived from the Middle English word "abreggen", which originated from the Old French word "abregier". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "abbreviare", meaning "to shorten".
The word "inheritance" comes from the Middle English word "inheritaunce", which originated from the Old French word "eritance". It can be further traced back to the Latin word "hereditas", meaning "inheritance" or "succession".
When combined, the term "Abridged Inheritance" refers to a shortened or condensed version of an inheritance, suggesting that some portions of an individual's inheritance may have been reduced or eliminated.
