What type of estate allows for possession only for the duration of someone's life?

A life estate is defined specifically as an ownership interest in real property that is limited to the duration of an individual's lifespan. In a life estate, the individual (known as the "life tenant") has the right to use and benefit from the property for as long as they are alive. Once the life tenant passes away, the property does not become part of the life tenant's estate; instead, it passes to another party designated in the property deeds, often referred to as the "remainderman." This type of estate ensures that the property is tied to the life of the individual and cannot be transferred or inherited beyond that lifespan.

In contrast, other estate types have different features. A fee simple absolute grants the owner full control and ownership of the property without any conditions or limitations, allowing for indefinite possession and the ability to transfer it. A fee tail estate allows the property to be passed down through specific lineage, often limiting inheritance to direct descendants. The term "lifelong estate" is not a standard legal term and does not correspond to any recognized category in property ownership. Thus, a life estate is unequivocally the type of estate that aligns perfectly with the concept of possession solely during a person's lifetime.