Ohio Code 2107.011 – Inheritance and bequest defined
Except when the intent of the testator clearly is to the contrary, the following rules of construction shall apply in interpreting the terms “inheritance” and “bequest”:
Terms Used In Ohio Code 2107.011
- Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Fiduciary: A trustee, executor, or administrator.
- Intestate: Dying without leaving a will.
- Property: means real and personal property. See Ohio Code 1.59
- Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
- Testate: To die leaving a will.
- Testator: A male person who leaves a will at death.
(A) The term “inheritance,” in addition to its meaning at common law or under any other section or sections of the Revised Code, includes any change of title to real property by reason of the death of the owner of that real property, regardless of whether the owner died testate or intestate.
(B) The term “bequest,” in addition to its meaning at common law or under any other section or sections of the Revised Code, includes any testamentary disposition of real property and any testamentary disposition of a vendor’s interest in a land installment contract.
(C) The terms “inheritance” and “bequest,” as defined in the rules of construction set forth in divisions (A) and (B) of this section, apply to the interest in, the title to, or both the interest in and the title to, any real property to which a fiduciary succeeds by reason of the death of the prior holder of that interest, title, or interest and title, regardless of whether the prior holder died testate or intestate.