What is a key aspect of a life estate?

A key aspect of a life estate is that it ends upon the death of the specified individual, commonly referred to as the life tenant. A life estate is a unique form of property ownership where one individual holds the right to use and occupy the property for the duration of their life. Upon their death, the rights to the property do not pass to the life tenant's heirs but instead revert to the original grantor or pass to a designated third party, known as the remainderman.

This characteristic of a life estate clearly distinguishes it from other forms of property ownership, such as fee simple estates, where ownership can be permanent and freely transferred or inherited. Understanding this limitation of a life estate is crucial for distinguishing between different types of property rights and recognizing how they can impact estate planning and property transfers.