Restformuen

Restformuen is a term that appears in some Nordic contexts to describe the portion of an individual's fortune that remains after obligations such as debts, taxes, and specified bequests have been settled. In everyday language it is often equated with the estate residue that is available for distribution to heirs or other beneficiaries once earmarked gifts are satisfied.

Etymology and usage: The word combines rest, meaning remainder, with formuen, meaning wealth or fortune. It is not a standard legal label in most jurisdictions; in formal law the analogous concept is usually called the residue of the estate or a residuary bequest. The term is therefore more common in informal writing, regional guides, or educational materials explaining estate planning concepts.

Legal and financial context: In estate planning, the restformuen represents assets left after debts, taxes, funeral costs, estate administration expenses, and any specific bequests have been paid or transferred. The distribution of restformuen is governed by a will's residuary clause or by default intestate succession rules where applicable.

Examples: A will grants specific gifts to individuals and charities; the restformuen includes the remaining real estate, investments, and cash, which are then allotted according to the residuary provision. The size of the restformuen can be affected by outstanding debts, contingent liabilities, and changes in tax law.

Notes: Restformuen is not a universal or formal term; readers are more likely to encounter the concept under residue or residuary estate in legal texts. Related topics include residuary estate, bequests, inheritance, and estate tax.