Related Definitions
What is an Omitted Heir?
An individual who has a legal right to an inheritance but was unintentionally or unknowingly excluded from a will by its creator – another commonly used term for a pretermitted heir.
An heir who is not mentioned in a decedent’s will or estate planning documents, often unintentionally. In many jurisdictions, omitted heirs may have legal rights to inherit under intestacy laws or specific statutes that protect their interests. This situation highlights the importance of regular estate plan reviews to ensure all heirs are accounted for, preventing potential disputes and claims during probate.
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