Probate Glossary
Heir
A person who may inherit from an estate when there is no valid will.
Definition
An heir is someone who may be legally entitled to inherit property from a deceased person under state intestacy laws when there is no valid will or when property is not otherwise distributed by a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or other transfer method.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an heir and a beneficiary?
An heir may inherit under state law when there is no valid will. A beneficiary is someone named to receive property through a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or other estate planning document.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
When someone dies without a valid will, the estate is usually handled under state intestacy laws. Those laws determine who may inherit and who may have priority to serve as Personal Representative.