What legal interest does John create when he transfers property to his mother with a limitation on its use until her death?

When John transfers property to his mother with a limitation on its use until her death, he creates a life estate. A life estate is a type of ownership in real property where the individual holds control or interest in the property for the duration of their life. In this case, John's mother has the right to use and enjoy the property until her death, at which point the property would revert to John or pass to another designated party, as specified by the terms of the transfer.

This concept is important in real estate as it defines the duration and limitations of property rights. A life estate ensures that the owner has the benefit of the property for their lifetime, while also establishing who will inherit the property after the owner’s death. This kind of transfer is often used for estate planning purposes, allowing for the property to remain in the family while controlling its future use.

The other options do not accurately represent this scenario. A fee simple absolute would mean John fully conveys his interest without any limitations, which is not the case here. A leasehold estate implies a temporary right to occupy property usually defined by a lease agreement, while a tenancy for years indicates a fixed term lease. None of these options capture the conditional and time-limited nature of John's transfer of property to