What happens if a beneficiary predeceases the testator?

As is the answer with many legal questions, the answer here is: it depends. When a person named as a beneficiary of a Will dies before the person who signed the Will, you should review the terms of the devise to see if alternate beneficiaries are named.

When alternate beneficiaries are not named, the gift is said to have “lapsed.” If the bequest lapses, the gift can instead be passed to other beneficiaries of the Will.

If one of your intended beneficiaries has passed away, it may be time to review your estate plan. Call Bach, Jacobs & Byrne, P.A. at 941-906-1231 to set up an appointment to create or review your existing estate plan documents.