QUESTION
What does it mean when a Will says house and contents?
Asked on Feb 17th, 2014 on Estate Planning - California
More details to this question:
The Will state that one of the beneficiaries will get the house and contents. What is meant by contents? Does it include personal effects, cash?
21 ANSWERS
Estate Planning Attorney serving Nashville, TN
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Strickland Law, PLLC
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Contents is generally the furniture, pictures, etc. Retain counsel to advise as to specifics.
Answered on Feb 21st, 2014 at 5:48 AM
2 Awards
Anything in the house.
Answered on Feb 21st, 2014 at 5:48 AM
Edwin K. Niles
I would say so, but it may be up to the court to answer this question.
Answered on Feb 21st, 2014 at 5:47 AM
General Practice Attorney serving Canton, MI
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James F. Malinowski
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When the Will says "house and contents" it means the real property which is the house structure and everything that is in the house; furniture, furnishings, clothes, knick knacks, jewelry etc.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Anna Tarasyuk
From what you're telling us, in this case it would most likely mean the house and what's inside, e.g. furniture, furnishings, personal effects, and items ordinarily identified with a home. Cash is in a different class of assets and is generally not included as tangible personal property. However, in this case, it may likely be included, since it is inside a tangible item, i.e. the house, and probably more specifically in a drawer or something similar. This is a highly debated issue, so unfortunately, there is no clear answer. The first step would be to have a lawyer look at the will itself and see if there's anything else that can help shed light on the situation.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2014 at 5:47 PM
House and personal possessions.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2014 at 5:35 PM
Contents refers to furniture, personal effects and yes, any cash stored at the premises itself.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:55 PM
Probate Attorney serving Newport, OR
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Minor, Bandonis & Haggerty P.C.
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You give the ordinary English meaning of words in a will. The contents of a house would be everything within it.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:54 PM
Business Law Attorney serving Bingham Farms, MI
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James T. Weiner, P.C.
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Generally it means furniture and fixtures, kitchen wares, etc. Read the will carefully and fully another clause typically defines cash, jewelry and personal effects separately.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:54 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Yes, it means the house and anything in it.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:54 PM
Business Attorney serving Orem, UT
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Kirton & McConkie A Professional Corporation
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Unless there is a specific exception to the meaning of contents, then yes-the term house and contents would mean everything inside the house that belonged to the deceased.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:53 PM
Unfortunately this is very vague and general, unless there is something to qualify the gift elsewhere in the will my best guess would be everything contained in the house if gifted after debts and expenses are paid.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:53 PM
Usually it means all personal items located in or on the property such as furniture, linens, clothing and jewelry, etc. unless they are specifically bequeathed elsewhere in the will. Cash and other financial assets are not included.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:52 PM
3 Awards
Probably whatever is in the house that does not carry separate legal title. It includes personal effects. It may or may not include cash in the house. That one is more complicated. Meet with an attorney who can review the Will in context and advise.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:52 PM
In this context, the term "contents" means all of the personal property contained within the house such a furniture, furnishings, appliances etc.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:51 PM
Business Planning Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Frederick & Frederick Attorneys at Law
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I would say the answer is yes, if the cash and effects are in the house.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:51 PM
Commercial Attorney serving Chicago, IL
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Ashcraft & Ashcraft, Ltd.
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House and Contents is taken at its plain meaning. It includes all of the personal property in the house that is not otherwise specifically bequeathed.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:50 PM
Probate Attorney serving Palatine, IL
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Law Offices of Robert H. Glorch
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Contents is not a legal term. Ultimately it depends on the decedent's intent. The Will needs to be read as a whole with that in mind.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:50 PM
Trusts Attorney serving Sacramento, CA
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Law Office of Victor Waid
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Contents means everything within the confines of the house, and sometimes the yard where the house is located. Suggest you seek a probate lawyer's opinion; sometimes the contents may challengeable in the case of extremely valuable object the deceased forgot to dispose of in the will specifically.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:50 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
It generally the furniture, pictures, etc. Personal effects are generally given to someone who wishes those items. Cash is distributed per the will.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:47 PM
It means everything in the house, except bank accounts demonstrated by a bank book, or something not physically in the house.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2014 at 11:44 PM