Dupont Law Group
June 20th, 2025
It’s all in the family: 4 common legal terms that describe loved ones in estate planning
While watching a movie or reading a book about wealthy individuals and their families, you may have come across terms such as “heir,” “descendant,” and “next of kin.” Though made-for-Hollywood storylines use these terms interchangeably, these words describing familial relationships actually have distinctly different definitions.
Using the correct terms is critical in wills, trusts, and other legal documents because these words have significant implications. The wrong word can lead the probate Court to incorrectly interpret your documents and therefore cause an unintended result.
An experienced estate planning attorney can help you use the correct language when preparing your documents and minimize family disputes in the probate court down the line.
Here are a few commonly confused words, their proper meanings, and some usage scenarios.
It is important to have a plan for yourself and use the terms in the right legal context to ensure that your plans and wishes are honored. Many do-it-yourself estate and trust documents do not accurately define and distinguish the different groups, and if you are not aware of the distinctions, you may believe that you are protecting a love one’s wellbeing when you are not.
Dupont Law Group, Dublin, Ohio
