Legatee

What Does a Legatee Receive?

A legatee may be given specific items, like jewellery or furniture, or a fixed amount of money. These gifts, known as legacies, are outlined clearly in the will. A legatee can be a family member, friend, organisation, or charity. They are not limited to individuals and do not need to be heirs in the legal sense.

Importantly, a legatee has the right to accept or decline the legacy. They are also entitled to know how the estate is being managed and can take legal action if they believe the terms of the will are not being followed properly.

Example

If a person leaves ₹50,000 to their child in their will, that amount is a pecuniary legacy, and the child is the legatee. If they gift a particular piece of jewellery to a niece, that is a specific legacy, and the niece is the legatee of that item.

Key Elements Involving a Legatee

• Types of Legacies:

  • Pecuniary: A fixed sum of money

  • Specific: A particular item (e.g. a car, artwork)

  • Residuary: A share of what remains after all other gifts and debts are settled

  • Contingent: A legacy given only if certain conditions are met

• Rights of a Legatee:

  • To be informed about the estate

  • To accept or decline the legacy

  • To challenge the administration if needed

• Responsibilities:

  • To manage the inherited item or funds responsibly

  • To comply with any tax requirements on the legacy

Benefits:

• Ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected
• Provides financial or personal support to the recipient
• Can support causes or institutions the deceased values

Challenges:

• Disputes may arise among family members or other legatees

• Tax implications may reduce the value of the gift

• Complex estates may take time to settle and distribute

Conclusion

In estate planning, the role of a legatee is central to ensuring a person’s intentions are fulfilled. In 2025, as more people take a structured approach to wills and inheritance, understanding what it means to be a legatee helps both planners and recipients navigate their responsibilities with clarity and confidence.