What is the purpose of reducing the interests of estate beneficiaries when calculating the elective share?

The purpose of reducing the interests of estate beneficiaries when calculating the elective share is to protect the surviving spouse against disinheritance. The elective share allows a spouse who has been omitted or inadequately provided for in a will to claim a certain percentage of the deceased spouse's estate. This right serves to provide a financial safety net for the surviving spouse, ensuring that they are not left entirely without support, especially in cases where the decedent may have intended to disinherit them through their will.

In many jurisdictions, the elective share is designed to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the surviving spouse during the marriage and to uphold the commitment that spouses should have a mutual interest in each other's financial well-being. This mechanism also helps to mitigate the potential for family discord and claims of undue influence, although the primary focus of the elective share is on the preservation of the surviving spouse's rights and interests in the estate.