What does a remainder interest in a life estate signify?

A remainder interest in a life estate signifies that a third party will receive ownership of the property once the life estate concludes. In this arrangement, the holder of the life estate has the right to use and occupy the property for the duration of their life. Upon their passing or the end of their interest for any reason, the property does not revert to the original owner but instead transfers to the person specified as the remainderman. This arrangement clearly separates the rights of the life tenant, which are temporary and contingent upon their life, from the rights of the remainderman, who has a future interest in the property that will become possessory after the life estate ends. This distinction is fundamental in understanding how interests in real property can be structured, particularly in estate planning and inheritance contexts.