Legal Definitions - legitimate heir

Definition: A legitimate heir is 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 the heir may inherit through a will or by intestate succession. The term can also refer to a person who succeeds to the rights and estate of a decedent under civil law.

Example: John dies without a will, leaving behind his wife and two children. According to the laws of intestacy, his wife is entitled to a portion of his estate, and his children will split the remaining portion equally. In this case, John's wife and children are his legitimate heirs.

Explanation: This example illustrates how legitimate heirs are determined by the laws of intestacy when a person dies without a will. In this case, John's wife and children are his closest relatives and are therefore entitled to his property. If John had a will, he could have designated different heirs or specified how his property should be distributed.