What is a life estate pur autre vie?

A life estate pur autre vie is specifically an estate that lasts for the lifetime of another individual, rather than the grantee themselves. The term "pur autre vie" translates from French to "for another's life," indicating that the duration of the life estate is tied to the life of a person other than the one who holds the estate. This type of arrangement is often used in estate planning, allowing the holder of the life estate to benefit from the property while designating another individual whose life will determine the length of that interest.

The significance of life estates pur autre vie is that it allows the holder to use and benefit from the property as long as the designated life continues. Once that person passes away, the estate reverts to the original grantor or their heirs. This differentiates it from other forms of life estates that are based solely on the lifetime of the grantee.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it emphasizes the nuances within property law and estate planning, particularly in how property interests are transferred and utilized.