Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Haereditas: A Latin word that means inheritance. In Roman law, it referred to the property and possessions that were passed down to someone after a person died. This could happen whether or not the person had a will. There were different types of inheritances, like ones that were passed down by law or by a person's will. Sometimes, an inheritance could be a burden if it had more debts than assets. If no one claimed an inheritance, it could become an escheated estate.
Definition: Haereditas is a Latin term that refers to an inheritance by universal succession to a decedent. This means that the person who inherits the property becomes the owner of all the assets and liabilities of the deceased person. It applies whether the decedent died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will), and whether in trust for another or not.
Examples:
These examples illustrate the different types of inheritance that fall under the category of haereditas. They show how the inheritance can be burdensome, sad, or even open to the first occupant if there is no legal owner. They also show how the inheritance can be distributed according to the laws of intestacy or a decedent's will.