What is a distinguishing feature of a legal life estate?

A distinguishing feature of a legal life estate is that it lasts until the death of a designated individual. In the context of property law, a life estate grants the holder the right to use and occupy a property for the duration of their life. This means that the life estate is inherently tied to the life of the individual; when that person passes away, the estate is transferred according to the terms set forth in the original legal documents or reverts to the grantor or their heirs.

This mechanism provides clarity about the duration of ownership and use. It differentiates life estates from other forms of property ownership, such as fee simple estates, where ownership can be indefinite and does not expire upon any individual's death. Thus, option D accurately encapsulates the essential characteristic that defines a legal life estate.