An heir is someone who has a legal right to inherit property, money, or titles from a deceased person. All states in the United States have laws governing the distribution of the assets of those who die without creating a will, or who fail to provide instructions in the will. The laws vary from state to state, and some states do not recognize heirs in the same way as others. In all states, though, when a person dies intestate (without a will), their assets are typically distributed to their closest relatives—mostly their children and spouses—and, in some cases, further to their extended family.

Typically, a probate court is responsible for determining the distribution of assets. In cases where property was jointly owned, the estate is divided between the heirs of each deceased party. Heirs may include not only blood relatives, but also spouses and stepchildren, depending on the specific laws in each state. In order for an heir to properly claim the assets or property, he or she must present valid proof of inheritance. Typically, an heir is required to show some type of legal documentation that verifies their relation to the deceased. Heirs must also show proof that they are the designated recipient of the assets, as heirs may vary between states.

Heirs have certain duties to the estate of the deceased, depending on the laws in the state of the decedent. For example, heirs may be responsible for assisting in appropriately distributing assets to any named beneficiaries. Additionally, they have a duty to administer the estate according to the applicable laws, performing any necessary court filings and satisfying any outstanding debts.

In order for an individual to receive an inheritance as an heir, both the living relatives and the dead person must fulfill specific legal requirement that varies from state to state. Generally speaking, an heir is someone with a legal right to inherit property following the death of the deceased person. It is important to verify legal requirements, as failure to do so could lead to the claims of an illegitimate heir, which can interfere with the rightful heir’s claim.