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Simple English definitions for legal terms
collateral heir
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A quick definition of collateral heir:
A collateral heir is someone who inherits property from a person who has died, but they are not a direct descendant or ancestor. This could be a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or cousin. It's important to note that an heir is not the same as someone who receives property through a will. An heir is someone who inherits property when there is no will.A more thorough explanation:
A collateral heir is a person who is not a direct descendant or ancestor of the deceased, but is related through a collateral line, such as a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or cousin. This person is entitled to receive a portion of the deceased's property under the laws of intestacy.
For example, if a person dies without a will and has no surviving spouse or children, their property would be distributed to their collateral heirs, such as their siblings or nieces and nephews.