Legal Definitions - prospective heir

A prospective heir is a person who may inherit but may also be excluded from inheriting. This term is often used to refer to an heir apparent or an heir presumptive.

For example, if a king dies without a clear successor, his eldest son would be the heir apparent, meaning he is certain to inherit the throne unless he dies before his father. However, if the king's wife is pregnant at the time of his death, the unborn child would be the heir presumptive, meaning they will inherit if they are born and survive their father. In this case, the eldest son would become a prospective heir, as he may be excluded from inheriting if the unborn child is born and survives.