Howstuffworks "Heir - Encyclopedia Entry"

Learn about Inheritance and get information on topics related to Inheritance.

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Heir

Heir, air. Technically, an heir is a person who receives money or property that is left by someone who died intestate (without making a will). Legatee or devisee is the legal term for the beneficiary of a will. However, the word heir is commonly used for anyone awarded an estate, whether or not the deceased person left a will.

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Primogeniture, pry muh JEHN uh chur, is a system of inheritance widely used in Europe for hundreds of years. Under this system, the oldest child in… More>>

Probate. When people die, their wills must be probated (proved to be genuine). A deceased person's executors bring the will before a court where… More>>

Next of kin is a legal phrase for the closest blood relatives of a person who has died without making a valid will. These next of kin share in the… More>>

Heir, air. Technically, an heir is a person who receives money or property that is left by someone who died intestate (without making a will).… More>>

Escheat, ehs CHEET, is the turning over of property to the state when no owner claims it. Such a right may be exercised by the state when a person… More>>

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