What type of estate is created by law rather than by the actions of a property owner?

A legal life estate is indeed created by law rather than by the actions of the property owner. This type of estate arises automatically under certain circumstances, typically through statutory provisions or legal mechanisms, and it conveys specific rights and interests in property to a designated party.

For instance, a legal life estate often comes into play when a property owner passes away and laws determine how the estate is to be managed or who will have the rights to it after death. Common examples include dower and curtesy rights, which protect the surviving spouse's interest in a decedent's estate in many jurisdictions. This automatic creation of a property interest highlights the legal and statutory nature of a legal life estate, differentiating it from other types of estates which may arise from the property owner's own decisions or actions.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping property law concepts, particularly in situations where the entitlements of heirs or surviving spouses are concerned.