Descendants

In the context of Probate and Estate Administration, the term "descendants" typically refers to the direct bloodline relatives of a deceased person.

Descendants include all persons who are directly related to the deceased through a line of parent-child relationships, regardless of how many generations have passed.

Descendants can include:

Children: The immediate offspring of the deceased person.

Grandchildren: The children of the deceased person's children.

Great-Grandchildren: The children of the deceased person's grandchildren.

In the context of Inheritance, descendants are often considered when determining who is entitled to a share of the deceased person's Estate.

Many state probate laws outline an order of inheritance, specifying that if the deceased person did not leave a will (known as Intestate), their estate will be distributed among their descendants according to a predefined hierarchy.

The laws of Intestate Succession vary from state to state, but if the deceased had surviving children, grandchildren, or other descendants, these individuals will be considered primary Heirs and entitled to inherit a portion of the estate.

If there are no surviving descendants, then other relatives, such as parents, siblings, or more distant relatives, may be considered as potential heirs.

Specific definitions and rules related to descendants vary based on state laws and regulations.

When managing probate, or drafting an Estate Plan, it's best to consult with a Probate Attorney or Estate Attorney to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.