In such circumstances, which part of the estate could be used to satisfy the pecuniary legacy, but only if it has not been specifically given to another beneficiary?

• A. Estate
• B. Personal chattels
• C. Residue
• D. Remainder

Answer: (C)

A pecuniary legacy is a fixed monetary gift under a will. When the estate is administered, debts and funeral expenses are paid first, then any specific gifts to named beneficiaries. What remains after those specific gifts have been satisfied is the residue of the estate, and it is from this residue that a pecuniary legacy can be paid if the funds haven’t already been allocated to someone else. The term residue refers to the general leftover portion of the estate, not to a specific item or to a future interest in property. The idea that only the residual pool can fund a monetary legacy—and only if that pool hasn’t already been given away to others—explains why the correct answer is the residue.