Most people are familiar with the basic contents of a will. Wills typically name an executor, order the payment of debts and expenses, and provide for the distribution of the testator’s (will-maker) property. Many wills provide for specific property to pass to specific people. These are known as specific bequests or devises. In addition to such bequests or devises, most wills contain a residuary clause – sort of a catch-all disposition for all of the rest and remainder of the estate. They typically read something like this: “I leave all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my property, of whatever sort, to [beneficiary’s name]”. On occasion, however, wills contain ambiguous or otherwise unclear provisions that require a court’s deciphering.
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