If "A" receives a life estate for the life of "X" and "A" dies before "X," what happens to the estate?

In the scenario where "A" receives a life estate for the duration of "X's" life, the nature of a life estate means that "A" has the right to use and enjoy the property as long as "X" is alive. However, if "A" passes away before "X," the life estate terminates upon "A's" death.

In this case, the property does not revert back to the state, nor does it go directly to "X." Instead, the interest that "A" held in the property (the life estate) is not inheritable and does not pass to "X" or revert to the state. In such situations, the property typically becomes vested in the heirs of "A." This means that "A's" heirs will hold the property subject to the life estate until "X" passes away.

Understanding the concept of life estates is crucial in property law, as it delineates the rights and interests parties have concerning property based on life circumstances. Thus, the correct interpretation of what happens to the estate when "A" passes before "X" aligns with the principle that "A's" interest is transferred to the heirs rather than being assigned to "X" or reverting to state custody.