Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
heir-at-law
Noun
/ˈɛər əˈt lɔː/
Definition
A person who is legally entitled to inherit property or assets when someone dies without a will.
Examples
- If someone dies intestate, their heirs-at-law will inherit their estate based on state law.
- Being named an heir-at-law means you may have rights to the deceased’s property.
- Heirs-at-law are determined by family relation; generally, they are the closest living relatives.
Meaning
The individual who stands to inherit according to the laws of descent and distribution if there is no will designating a different heir.
Synonyms
- Successor
- Inheritor
- Beneficiary
