kids encyclopedia robot

Inheritance facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, and duties when someone dies. Those things usually go to family members. People have had laws about inheritance for thousands of years. Often the question is settled in a will.

If only sons and other male family members get the inheritance, it is called patrilineal succession. If only daughters and other female family members get the inheritance, it is called matrilineal succession.

Cultural inheritance is called legacy. Genetic inheritance is called heredity.

The person who gets the property and other things when someone dies is called the heir (male) or heiress (female).

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Herencia (Derecho) para niños

kids search engine
Inheritance Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.