Opinion ID: 1747901
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: nature of the estate devised

Text: When words of a will indicate an intent to make a clear gift, the language will be construed to devise the greatest estate possible, and the devise will not be limited by any subsequent provision that does not clearly and decisively limit the estate devised. Haring v. Shelton, 122 S.W. 13 (Tex.1909). In the paragraph immediately before the Marlin Provision, Paul W. Drummet left ... all the rest of my property, real and personal, to my wife. This language clearly evidences Drummet's intent to pass fee simple title to his wife. Thus, the Marlin Provision is precatory unless it clearly and decisively limits Mrs. Drummet's fee estate. TEX.PROP.CODE ANN. § 5.001 (Vernon 1984) (formerly TEX.REV.CIV.STAT.ANN. art. 1291 (Vernon 1980)). Such a limitation may be imposed by language which either (1) detracts from the devisee's use and enjoyment of the estate, thereby making the devise less than an absolute fee estate, or (2) creates a charge against the estate devised. A charge is simply a duty imposed on the devisee to pay another legacy conveyed by the will. The charge created may be either on the devisee personally or upon the land devised. In either case, the language of the will must establish both the duty to pay and the legacy to be paid clearly and unequivocally.