Immediate family refers to relatives of very close relation to a person. For example, a person's brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, children, spouse, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, stepchildren and/or adopted children are all part of their immediate family.
In the context of the law, the classification of immediate family is relevant for things such as inheritance, adoption and custody.
Often, property is passed between immediate family members. This is frequently the case when a person leaves a last will and testament. If property is left by a decedent to an immediate family member through a will, that property will legally become theirs. However, estate taxes may be applicable. Whether or not a person is an immediate family member can also be important for things such as hospital visitation and other similar matters.