What is one purpose of a "specific bequest" in estate planning?

One purpose of a specific bequest in estate planning is to make gifts of particular items to named individuals. This means that when a testator (the person creating a will) designates a specific item, such as a piece of jewelry, a piece of art, or a certain amount of money, to a particular beneficiary, it is referred to as a specific bequest. This allows for clear and precise distribution of endowed possessions, ensuring that the testator's intended recipients are recognized and that individual items go directly to them.

This customization caters to the testator's intentions and often holds emotional significance, as specific items may have sentimental value or historical importance to the parties involved. By clearly identifying these gifts, a specific bequest helps reduce ambiguity in the will's execution and can simplify the probate process for the beneficiaries.

In contrast, a general distribution of all assets pertains to how the overall estate is shared among beneficiaries and does not focus on specific items, which is why it does not fit the criteria for a specific bequest. Similarly, reducing taxes on an estate can be an important goal in estate planning, but it is not a role assigned to specific bequests. Finally, dictating the terms of a trust involves a different aspect of estate planning that