What is a Donee Beneficiary? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A donee beneficiary is a person who is intended to receive a gift or benefit from a contract between two other parties. In this context, one party (the promisee) arranges for the other party (the promisor) to provide a benefit to the donee beneficiary. The donee beneficiary does not provide anything in return for this benefit; it is considered a pure donation.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A parent purchases a life insurance policy and names their child as the beneficiary. In this case, the child is a donee beneficiary because they will receive the insurance payout without providing anything in return.

Example 2: A company agrees to donate a certain amount of money to a charity as part of a contract with another business. The charity is a donee beneficiary of this agreement. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Description
California Recognizes donee beneficiaries in various contracts, including insurance policies.
Texas Similar to California, donee beneficiaries can be named in contracts, with specific rules governing their rights.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Creditor Beneficiary A third party who benefits from a contract because they are owed a debt. Unlike donee beneficiaries, creditor beneficiaries have a right to enforce the contract.
Incidental Beneficiary A third party who may benefit from a contract but was not intended to receive a benefit. Incidental beneficiaries do not have enforceable rights under the contract.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a donee beneficiary or are involved in a contract that includes one, it is advisable to review the contract terms carefully. Consider consulting a legal professional for advice specific to your situation. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate these agreements effectively.

Quick facts

  • Donee beneficiaries receive benefits without providing compensation.
  • Commonly involved in contracts, trusts, and insurance policies.
  • Rights may vary based on the contract's terms and the intent of the promisee.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the intent of the promisee. If the promisee intended to confer rights upon the donee, they may be able to enforce the contract.