elective share

noun

: the share (as one third) of an estate set by statute that a widow or widower or sometimes a child is entitled to claim in lieu of any provisions made in a will or in the event of being disinherited unjustifiably

called also forced share

compare curtesy, dower

Dictionary Entries Near elective share

Cite this Entry

“Elective share.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/elective%20share. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!