Legal Definitions - lawful heir

Definition: A person who is entitled to receive the property of a deceased person according to the laws of intestacy. This can include real or personal property, and can be inherited through a will or by intestate succession.

Examples:

• John's father passed away without a will, so John is his lawful heir and will inherit his father's property.
• Susan's grandmother left her a large sum of money in her will, making Susan a lawful heir to her grandmother's estate.

These examples illustrate how a person can become a lawful heir through either intestate succession or through a will. In both cases, the person is entitled to inherit property from the deceased person.