Legal Definitions - inherit

To inherit means to legally receive assets, property, or money from a person who has passed away. This transfer of ownership occurs either because the deceased individual left a valid will specifying who should receive their assets, or, if there was no will, according to specific laws that determine how the property should be distributed among their relatives.

• Example 1: Receiving property through a will
  After her grandmother passed away, Maria discovered that the will specifically stated she was to receive her grandmother's beloved vintage piano. Maria had always admired the instrument and learned to play on it as a child.

  Explanation: Maria inherits the piano because her grandmother's will explicitly designated her as the recipient of that specific piece of property.

• Example 2: Receiving property without a will (intestate succession)
  When Mr. Chen died unexpectedly without leaving a will, his state's laws dictated that his two adult children would equally divide his remaining assets, which included a small investment portfolio and a vacation cabin.

  Explanation: Mr. Chen's children inherit the investment portfolio and the cabin because, in the absence of a will, state law determines how his property is legally distributed among his next of kin.

• Example 3: Inheriting a business or significant asset
  Upon the passing of a prominent art collector, her extensive collection of rare sculptures was passed down to her nephew, who had worked closely with her on managing the collection for years.

  Explanation: The nephew inherits the art collection, meaning he legally receives ownership and responsibility for these valuable assets following his aunt's death, likely as stipulated in her estate plan or will.