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fee simple
noun
Examples of fee simple in a Sentence
Word History
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fee simple
Cite this Entry
“Fee simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fee%20simple. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Legal Definition
fee simple
nounNote: A fee simple absolute is conveyed by language granting the estate “to the grantee and his or her heirs,” “to the grantee, his heirs and assigns,” or “to the grantee.” The term heirs is considered in this context a word of limitation, and so this does not create a future interest in the estate in the heirs but simply makes the estate freely alienable.
Note: The fee simple conditional is not recognized in England or the United States except in South Carolina.
Note: A fee simple determinable is conveyed by language which states that the estate automatically terminates and reverts to the grantor, and which expresses duration (“so long as,” “until,” “during the time that”).
called also fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Note: A fee simple on condition subsequent is conveyed by language that creates a right of entry or power of termination in the grantor and that expresses condition (“on condition that,” “provided that”).
simple without limitation (as to heirs) and unrestricted (as to transfer of ownership)
More from Merriam-Webster on fee simple
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fee simple
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