Who is the person receiving property in a will called?

The person receiving property in a will is referred to as a devisee. This term specifically applies to individuals who are bequeathed real property through the provisions laid out in a will. The will outlines the testator's wishes regarding the distribution of their estate, and the devisee is the party named to inherit these specified properties.

In contrast, an executor is the individual appointed to carry out the terms of the will, ensuring that the assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes. Although beneficial, this role does not involve receiving property directly.

The term beneficiary is more general; it encompasses anyone who receives a benefit from a will or trust, which can include personal assets, cash, or other items. While all devisees are beneficiaries, not all beneficiaries are specifically referred to as devisees, particularly when the gifts are not strictly for real estate.

An heir typically refers to someone who inherits property according to state law when there isn't a will. Heirs receive property automatically upon the death of an individual, whereas devisees are directly named in the will to receive specific properties.

In summary, the correct labeling of someone designated to receive real property in a will is a devisee, which distinctly identifies their role in the estate planning and inheritance process.