Legal Definitions - legal heir

A legal heir is a person who is entitled to receive the property of a deceased person according to the laws of intestacy. This means that if the deceased person did not leave a will, their property will be distributed to their legal heirs. The term legal heir is also known as heir at law, lawful heir, heir general, legitimate heir.

For example, if a person dies without a will, their property will be distributed to their legal heirs, such as their spouse, children, parents, or siblings, depending on the laws of the state where they lived.

It is important to note that the term heir is reserved for those who receive real property by the laws of intestacy, which only apply in the absence of a valid will. If a person receives property by will, they are not considered an heir, but rather a beneficiary.