What is the term for the person receiving a bequest?

The term for the person receiving a bequest is "donee." In the context of wills and trusts, a donee is an individual or entity that receives a gift or bequest from the grantor (the person who is making the will). This term specifically highlights the role of the recipient in the transaction of transferring wealth after the grantor's death.

Understanding this terminology is crucial, especially in estate planning and administration, where clarity about roles and responsibilities can impact the execution of a will and the which assets go to specific heirs. The concept of a donee typically comes into play when discussing trusts, gifts, or bequests, emphasizing the legal relationship between the individual giving and the individual receiving.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe the recipient of a bequest: a grantor is someone who creates a trust or makes a will, a donor is usually a person who gives a gift in other contexts, and a beneficiary refers generally to someone entitled to receive benefits from a will or life insurance, which could be broader than just a bequest context. Therefore, "donee" is the precise term that correctly identifies the person receiving the bequest.