Define: Survival Clause

Survival Clause
Survival Clause
Quick Summary of Survival Clause

A survival clause in a will mandates that a beneficiary must survive for a specified duration after the testator’s death. Typically, this duration is 60 days. If the beneficiary passes away within this timeframe, the intended gift will be redirected to the remaining estate. This provision is also referred to as a survivorship clause. On the other hand, a survival statute is a legal regulation that permits certain legal proceedings to persist even after the initiator’s demise. This may encompass the recovery of damages incurred prior to their death.

Full Definition Of Survival Clause

In a will, a survival clause mandates that a beneficiary must outlive the testator by a specific period, typically 60 days, to receive their inheritance. If the beneficiary passes away within this timeframe, the gift will instead go to the residuary estate. This clause is also referred to as a survivorship clause. For instance, if a testator bequeaths $10,000 to their niece with a survival clause of 60 days, and the niece dies 30 days after the testator, the $10,000 will be given to the residuary estate rather than the niece’s heirs. Meanwhile, a survival statute is a legal provision that permits certain legal actions to proceed even after the death of the individual who could have initially initiated the action. This law is particularly beneficial in cases where the deceased incurred damages before their passing, and the estate must recover those damages. For example, if someone sustains injuries in a car accident and dies a few days later, their estate can still sue the driver responsible for the accident for damages under the survival statute. This enables the estate to obtain the damages that the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived.

Survival Clause FAQ'S

A survival clause is a provision in a contract that specifies which obligations or rights will continue to be enforceable even after the termination or expiration of the contract.

A survival clause is important because it ensures that certain obligations or rights of the parties will continue to be valid and enforceable even after the contract has ended. It provides clarity and certainty regarding the parties’ ongoing responsibilities.

Common obligations that may survive the termination of a contract include confidentiality obligations, indemnification obligations, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution provisions.

Yes, parties can customize the survival clause in a contract to specify which obligations or rights they want to survive the termination of the contract. They can also determine the duration of the survival period.

Yes, a survival clause is generally enforceable in court as long as it is clear and unambiguous. However, the specific enforceability may depend on the jurisdiction and the language used in the clause.

Yes, parties can agree to waive or modify the survival clause in a contract. However, any such waiver or modification should be in writing and signed by both parties to ensure its validity.

If a contract does not include a survival clause, it is generally assumed that all obligations and rights under the contract will terminate upon its expiration or termination. This may lead to uncertainty and potential disputes regarding the parties’ post-contractual obligations.

Yes, a survival clause can be included in any type of contract where the parties want to ensure the continued enforceability of certain obligations or rights after the contract ends. It is particularly common in contracts involving ongoing obligations or intellectual property rights.

While it is generally recommended to have a written contract, a survival clause can still be included in a verbal agreement. However, proving the existence and terms of the survival clause may be more challenging in the absence of a written record.

A survival clause can be challenged in court if one party believes that it is unfair, unreasonable, or against public policy. However, the challenging party would need to provide valid legal grounds to support their argument.

Related Phrases
No related content found.
Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

Cite Term

To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.

  • Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/survival-clause/
  • Modern Language Association (MLA):Survival Clause. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/survival-clause/.
  • Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Survival Clause. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/survival-clause/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
  • American Psychological Association (APA):Survival Clause. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/survival-clause/
Avatar of DLS Solicitors
DLS Solicitors : Divorce Solicitors

Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.

All author posts