Lapse: What It Means in Legal Terms and Its Consequences

Q: Can I prevent a gift from lapsing?

In some states, you can use anti-lapse statutes to ensure that a gift passes to the heirs of a deceased beneficiary.

Q: How long does an offer last before it lapses?

An offer generally lasts for a reasonable time unless a specific time frame is stated in the contract.

Definition & Meaning

Lapse refers to the failure of a right, privilege, or benefit to take effect due to certain circumstances. In legal contexts, it often applies to situations where a gift in a will or trust cannot be fulfilled because the intended recipient has died before the testator (the person who made the will) or has become incapable of receiving the gift. Lapse can also occur in contract law, where an offer becomes invalid if not accepted within a reasonable time frame.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Lapse is primarily used in the fields of estate planning and contract law. In estate planning, it pertains to gifts that cannot be executed due to the death or incapacity of the beneficiary. In contract law, lapse refers to the expiration of an offer when not accepted within a specified or reasonable time. Users can manage these situations with legal forms, such as wills or contracts, available through platforms like US Legal Forms, which are designed by qualified attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A person leaves a sum of money in their will to a friend who passes away before the will is executed. The gift lapses because the friend can no longer receive it.
Example 2: A contractor offers to provide services for a specific price, but the offer is not accepted within the stated time. The offer lapses and is no longer valid. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	Difference
California	California law allows for anti-lapse statutes that can prevent a gift from lapsing under certain conditions.
New York	In New York, if a beneficiary predeceases the testator, the gift may pass to the beneficiary's descendants unless otherwise stated.

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
Lapse	Failure of a gift or offer to take effect due to certain circumstances.	Specifically refers to gifts in wills or offers in contracts.
Revocation	Withdrawal of an offer or gift before it has been accepted.	Involves active cancellation rather than automatic failure.
Anti-lapse	A legal provision that allows a gift to pass to a beneficiary's heirs if the beneficiary predeceases the testator.	Prevents lapse in certain circumstances.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are dealing with a lapsed gift or offer, consider the following steps:

Review the will or contract to understand the terms and conditions regarding lapse.
Consult with a legal professional if you are unsure about the implications or need assistance with estate planning or contract issues.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you create or modify legal documents effectively.

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Quick facts

Typical context: Estate planning, contract law
Common causes: Death of beneficiary, failure to accept an offer
Potential outcomes: Gifts or offers may become void

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What happens to a lapsed gift in a will?

If a gift lapses, it typically becomes part of the residue of the estate and is distributed according to the remaining provisions in the will.