What is the term for the extinction or withdrawal of an inheritance because the decedent did not own the property at the time of death?

The term that describes the extinction or withdrawal of an inheritance due to the decedent not owning the property at the time of death is referred to as ademption. Ademption occurs when the specific property that was intended to be bequeathed is no longer part of the decedent's estate at the time of their passing. This can happen, for example, if the decedent sold or otherwise disposed of the property before their death, making it impossible for the intended beneficiary to receive that asset.

In this context, understanding ademption is crucial for interpreting wills properly because it directly affects the distribution of the decedent's estate and can lead to confusion if not clearly understood. In contrast, other terms do not address this specific situation; abatement refers to the reduction of bequests when the estate's assets are insufficient to cover debts and expenses. Revocation deals with the cancellation of a will or particular bequests, while disinheritance is the act of intentionally excluding someone from receiving an inheritance. None of these other concepts relate to the scenario of a property being absent from the decedent's estate at death.