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The Daily Insight

Who is considered an heir in NJ?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Mar 24, 2026

In order to inherit under New Jersey’s intestate succession law, the heir in question must survive the decedent by at least 120 hours. In addition, relatives conceived before you die but born after the decedent’s death are eligible to inherit as if they had been born while the decedent was alive.

What happens if an heir to an estate dies?

The intestate estate will go first to a surviving spouse, and the deceased’s children (natural or legally adopted). If there is no surviving spouse, the estate will go to the deceased’s children in equal portions.

Does a spouse inherit everything in NJ?

Spouses in New Jersey Inheritance Law If you pass away intestate with a spouse but no living parents or children, your spouse will inherit all intestate property; that is, the property that does not have a named beneficiary.

Who is entitled to inherit from an heir at law?

Julie Ann Garber wrote about estate planning for The Balance, and has almost 25 years of experience as a lawyer and trust officer. An heir-at-law is anyone who’s entitled to inherit from someone who dies without leaving a last will and testament or other estate plans.

Who is the sole heir to Whitney Houston’s Estate?

Houston’s will was drafted about 20 years ago and named Bobbi Kristina as the sole heir to her estate. The will stipulated that Bobbi Kristina would receive the money in a series of payments over nine years — 10 percent at age 21 (about $2 million), a 30 percent distribution at 25 and the remainder at age 30.

Who is the first in line to inherit an estate?

The more closely related you are to a decedent, the more likely it becomes that you are an heir-at-law. A surviving spouse is invariably the first in line to inherit if the decedent was married. In most states, she shares the estate with his living children.

When do grandchildren become heirs to the estate?

In most states, she shares the estate with his living children. His grandchildren would be heirs-at-law only if their parents are deceased because a parent’s share typically skips to his child rather than to his siblings—the decedent’s other children. This legal process is known by the legal term ” per stirpes ,” which literally means “by roots.”