Investopedia
By Julia Kagan
Updated: May 7th, 2026
A remainderman is an individual who inherits property after the termination of a life estate. Life estates offer an efficient way to pass property, avoiding probate and ensuring the property’s future distribution.
A remainderman is considered a beneficiary. They inherit any remaining property after the life tenant’s death. A remainder interest is a future interest a person has in an asset, and a remainderman cannot be removed from a life estate without their permission.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A remainderman receives the remaining principal in a trust after all expenses are paid.
- Consent from both the life tenant and the remainderman is required to encumber or sell property within a life estate.
- Life estates can impact eligibility for social services because they’re considered a monetary asset.
