Fee Tail

/ˈfiː teɪl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of hereditary estate in land that restricts inheritance to direct descendants of the original grantee, preventing sale or transfer outside the lineage.
    The property was held in fee tail to ensure it remained within the family for generations.

Forms

  • fee tails

Commentary

Fee tail estates are largely abolished or modified in modern jurisdictions; drafting should clarify current applicable law and restrictions on alienation.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Fee Tail Definition