Relating to the remainder of an estate after all specific gifts, debts, taxes, and expenses have been distributed or paid. The residuary estate includes everything not specifically mentioned in the will or disposed of through other means.
From Latin 'residuum' meaning 'remainder,' combined with the suffix '-ary' meaning 'relating to.' This legal concept emerged as wills became more complex, requiring a catch-all category for assets not specifically mentioned.
Here's the kicker: the residuary clause is often the most valuable part of a will! While people focus on specific bequests like jewelry or cars, the residuary estate typically includes the house, investments, and bank accounts—the real wealth that's left 'everything else.'
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