Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

Who is a legatee?

1. A person responsible for the management of a will

2. The beneficiary of property in a will

3. An individual who drafts a will

4. A guardian of a minor's estate

The correct answer is: The beneficiary of property in a will

A legatee is a specific term that refers to a person who is designated in a will to receive a gift of personal property or money from the deceased. This term is commonly used in the context of estate planning and probate law, where the individuals who inherit or receive assets as directed by a will are called legatees. This distinguishes them from other beneficiaries who might receive real property or have different types of entitlements under the law. The other choices identify roles or responsibilities within the context of handling a will or estate, but they do not specifically define a legatee. For example, a person responsible for the management of a will typically refers to the executor, who carries out the terms of the will and manages the estate. An individual who drafts a will would be a testator or attorney, and a guardian of a minor's estate is responsible for managing the financial affairs of a minor but is not directly involved in the inheritance aspect that pertains to legatees. Thus, the role of a legatee is distinct and centered specifically around the receipt of gifts defined in a will.