As the only legal heir, she inherited the family home.

As the closest statutory heir, she inherited the family farm under state succession laws.

After their uncle died without a will, Maria discovered she was the heir-at-law to his modest estate.

Under the laughing heir statute, the estate passed to the state because no close relatives survived.

In several states, laughing heir statutes prevent distant relatives from inheriting estates when closer kin exist.

Her claim to heirship was recognized after the will was read.

In jurisdictions with forced heirship, parents cannot disinherit their children entirely.

In several jurisdictions, forced heirships limit a testator's ability to disinherit their children.

Disputes over heirships can strain family relationships for generations.