Detailed Answer

1. What Is a Lapsed Gift?

A gift in a will “lapses” when the person named to receive it (the beneficiary) dies before the testator. In that situation, the gift fails and the property remains part of the testator’s estate.

2. North Carolina’s Anti-Lapse Rule

North Carolina limits some lapses by statute. Under the anti-lapse rule (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 31-23), if the predeceased beneficiary was a descendant of the testator’s parents and left children or grandchildren, the gift passes to those descendants by substitution. For details, see N.C. Gen. Stat. § 31-23.

3. When No Alternate or Qualifying Relative Exists

If no alternate beneficiary appears in the will and the anti-lapse statute does not apply, the lapsed gift becomes part of the residue of the estate. The residuary clause determines who receives that property. If the will contains no residuary clause or if that gift also fails, North Carolina treats the entire estate as intestate and distributes it under the intestacy statutes.

Under intestate succession, property passes in this order: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings and so on. For the spouse’s share and next-in-line relatives, see N.C. Gen. Stat. § 29-14.

4. Why Naming Alternates Matters

To avoid unintended lapses, a testator should name backup beneficiaries or include a clear residuary clause. Doing so ensures your property passes according to your wishes rather than by default under statute.

Key Points to Remember

• A lapsed gift occurs when a beneficiary dies before the testator with no alternate named.
• North Carolina’s anti-lapse statute can save a gift for the beneficiary’s descendants (see N.C. Gen. Stat. § 31-23).
• If no statutory substitution applies, the gift falls into the residuary estate.
• Without a residuary clause or if that gift also fails, the entire estate passes by intestacy (see N.C. Gen. Stat. § 29-14).
• To control your estate plan, always name alternates and include a residuary clause in your will.

Next Steps

Understanding how lapsed gifts work can prevent unintended distributions and family disputes. Pierce Law Group has attorneys who guide you through will drafting and probate administration under North Carolina law. Contact us to safeguard your estate plan:

Email: intake@piercelaw.com
Call: (919) 341-7055