What does a "Bequest" refer to in legal terms?

A "bequest" in legal terminology specifically refers to the act of giving or transferring personal property through a will. This means that when someone passes away, their will can stipulate that certain items, money, or other personal property are passed on to designated beneficiaries. This concept ensures that the deceased's wishes regarding their personal belongings are honored and enforced after their death.

While there are other legal terms that pertain to property transfer and estate distribution, they involve different contexts or stages of the legal process. For instance, contracts made during a lifetime relate to agreements established while a person is living, and statements of intent regarding estate distribution may outline a person's preferences but do not constitute a direct transfer of property. Furthermore, a formal request for property transfer usually implies a more immediate action that does not encompass the posthumous transfer characteristic of a bequest.