Abeyance

Abeyance (from the Old French abeance meaning "gaping") describes a state of temporary dormancy or suspension. In law, it can refer to a situation where the ownership of property, titles, or office is not currently vested in any specific person, but is awaiting the appearance or determination of the rightful owner. This typically applies to future estates that have not yet vested, and may never vest. For example, an estate is granted to A for life, with the remainder to the heir of B upon A's death. If B is still alive, the remainder is held in abeyance because B can have no legal heir until B's own death. The term hold in abeyance is used in lawsuits and court cases when a case is temporarily put on hold.