Heir

Heir is a term used to describe a person who is legally entitled to inherit the property or rank of another on that person's death. The concept of an heir is deeply rooted in inheritance law, and it plays a significant role in the distribution of property after a person's death.

Definition

An heir is a person who, under the laws of inheritance, is entitled to receive an inheritance upon the death of another. This can occur either by operation of law, by the terms of a will, or by the intestate laws if the deceased did not leave a will.

Types of Heirs

There are several types of heirs, including:

• Heir apparent: This is an heir who is certain to inherit as long as they outlive the current holder of the estate. This term is often used in monarchies to describe the person who is next in line to the throne.

• Heir presumptive: This is an heir who is next in line to inherit, but whose position can be displaced by the birth of a nearer heir. For example, a brother is the heir presumptive to his childless sister, but if she has a child, the child becomes the heir apparent and the brother becomes the heir presumptive.

• Heir at law: This is the person who is entitled to inherit under the laws of intestacy if the deceased did not leave a will.

Legal Rights of Heirs

Heirs have certain legal rights, including the right to inherit property, the right to contest a will, and the right to be notified about probate proceedings. These rights can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the inheritance.

See Also

• Inheritance
• Probate
• Will (law)
• Estate (law)

References

Heir Resources
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