meestbegunstigde

Meestbegunstigde is a Dutch term that translates roughly as “the most favored beneficiary.” It is used to describe the person who is entitled to receive the greatest benefit under a contract or estate, such as a will, trust, life insurance policy, or pension plan.

In wills and testaments, the meest begunstigde typically denotes the primary beneficiary—the person who receives the main legacy or the largest share of the estate. If the meest begunstigde cannot be located or predeceases the testator, the instrument generally provides for alternate or contingent beneficiaries in accordance with its terms and applicable law.

In insurance and benefit arrangements, the meest begunstigde is the beneficiary who has priority for the proceeds or benefits. Other named beneficiaries may hold secondary or contingent rights, depending on the policy or plan rules. The exact rights and sequencing of benefits depend on the governing document and relevant legislation.

The term is chiefly a drafting convention used in Dutch language documents to express priority among beneficiaries. It does not, by itself, alter the legal effect of the underlying instrument; the specific shares, conditions, and contingencies are determined by the will, trust deed, policy, or plan document.

Etymology: meest means “most,” and begunstigde means “beneficiary” (one who is favored or benefited). See also begunstigde, testament, erfenis, life insurance, and trust.