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An individual entitled to a distribution of an asset or property interest under applicable state law in the absence of a will. “Heir” and “beneficiary” are not synonymous, although they may refer to the same individual in a particular case.

Heir (Wikipedia)
This article is about passing on of property or other rights or obligations after a person's death. For inheritance of genes, see heredity. For other uses, see Inheritance (disambiguation).
"Heir" redirects here. For other uses, see Heir (disambiguation).

Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Officially bequeathing private property and/or debts can be performed by a testator via will, as attested by a notary or by other lawful means.

300px William Hogarth A Rake%27s Progress Plate 1 The Young Heir Takes Possession Of The Miser%27s Effects
From William Hogarth's A Rake's Progress. "The Young Heir Takes Possession Of The Miser's Effects".
Heir (Wiktionary)

English

Alternative forms

  • heire (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English heir, from Anglo-Norman eir, heir, from Latin hērēs.

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