Legal Definitions - direct-line descent

Direct-line descent refers to the passing of property or inheritance from a common ancestor to their direct descendants in a straight or direct line, such as from a father to a son or a grandfather to a grandson. It is also known as lineal descent.

For example, if a grandfather leaves his property to his grandson, it is a direct-line descent because the grandson is the direct descendant of the grandfather.

Direct-line descent is different from collateral descent, which refers to the passing of property or inheritance between relatives who are not in a direct line, such as from a brother to a sister or a cousin to a cousin.

Understanding the different types of descent is important in determining who is entitled to inherit property or assets when someone dies without a will.