Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: official use
A child born to parents who are not married to each other is called a child out of wedlock. This term is also known as an illegitimate child. In the past, illegitimate children had fewer legal rights than children born to married parents. However, today, most countries have laws that protect the rights of all children, regardless of their parents' marital status.
For example, in the United States, an illegitimate child has the right to inherit from their mother, and in some cases, from their father as well. They also have the right to financial support from both parents, just like any other child.
Other terms related to children include: