Heirs at Law

Each jurisdiction sets its own definition of an heir at law, including Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.  An heir at law is someone who stands to inherit a portion of a estate if the decedent (person who died) passed without a valid will.  Identifying heirs at law is an important early step in the probate process whether or not there is a valid will..

Interest parties include both heirs at law and non-government creditors.

The rules for distribution and/or intestate succession are explained for each jurisdiction on the following pages: