Legal Definitions - uterine sister

A uterine sister refers to a female sibling who shares the same biological mother but has a different biological father. This relationship is also commonly known as a maternal half-sister.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a uterine sister:

• Example 1: Inheritance and Family Law

  After Ms. Chen passed away without a will, she left behind two daughters. Her eldest daughter, Mei, was from her first marriage, and her younger daughter, Li, was from her second marriage. In legal contexts concerning inheritance or family relationships, Mei and Li would be identified as uterine sisters because they share the same mother (Ms. Chen) but have different fathers. This distinction can be important in jurisdictions where specific familial relationships impact the distribution of assets or other legal rights.

• Example 2: Immigration and Citizenship Applications

  Mr. Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen, wishes to sponsor his sister, Sofia, for a family-based immigration visa. Sofia was born to Mr. Rodriguez's mother but has a different father. When submitting the necessary documentation to immigration authorities, Sofia would be recognized as Mr. Rodriguez's uterine sister. This precise legal terminology confirms their sibling relationship through their shared mother, which is a valid basis for certain immigration petitions.

• Example 3: Medical and Genetic History

  During a medical consultation, a patient is asked about their family's health history. The patient mentions that their sister has a specific genetic condition. Upon further inquiry, it's clarified that they share the same mother but have different fathers. The medical professional would understand this to mean they are uterine sisters. This information is crucial for assessing the patient's risk for inherited conditions, as they share a significant portion of their genetic material from their common mother, which could influence the likelihood of inheriting certain traits or diseases.