Heir at Law


Definition of Heir at Law

An heir at law is the person who has the legal right to inherit the property of a deceased person. The heir at law is typically a close relative, such as a child, or a sibling. Property that an heir at law is entitled to commonly consists of land, houses, money, etc.



Heir at Law Explained

Many people choose to leave their property to their relatives or other people who are close to them when they die. This way, they can ensure that their property remains with certain people. Heirs are commonly given their entitlements to the decedent's property in wills. Once it is clear in a will that a specific person is supposed to inherit specific property, then they are legally entitled to the property after the testator of the will dies.