Legal Definitions - sibling

A sibling refers to an individual who shares one or both parents with another person. This relationship encompasses brothers and sisters, whether they are full-blood (sharing both biological parents), half-blood (sharing one biological parent), or adopted (legally recognized as a child of the same parents).

Here are a few examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1: Estate Planning

  When drafting a will, a person might state, "I leave my entire estate to be divided equally among my siblings." In this context, the term would legally include all of their brothers and sisters, whether they shared both biological parents, only one biological parent, or were adopted into the family, unless the will specified a narrower definition.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates how "sibling" is used in inheritance law to identify beneficiaries, ensuring that all individuals recognized as brothers or sisters by the law or the will's intent are included in the distribution of assets.

• Example 2: Family Court Proceedings

  During a child custody hearing, a judge might consider the importance of maintaining contact between a child and their siblings, even if the siblings have different biological parents or live in separate households. The court's decision could include provisions for visitation schedules that allow these sibling relationships to continue.

  Explanation: This illustrates the term's relevance in family law, where courts recognize the significance of sibling bonds for a child's well-being, even when the children involved may not share both biological parents.

• Example 3: Immigration Petitions

  An adult U.S. citizen seeking to help a family member immigrate to the United States might file a petition for a "family-sponsored preference" for their sibling. This category allows for the immigration of brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, subject to specific eligibility requirements and visa availability.

  Explanation: This example shows how "sibling" is defined and used within immigration law to establish qualifying family relationships for visa applications, enabling certain family members to reunite.