heir apparent

Heir apparent is a person who is first in line to inherit from a decedent under the governing laws of intestacy and whose status as heir would not normally be displaced by the birth of another heir. An heir apparent retains their place in line unless the property owner disposes of the property, changes their will, or otherwise eliminates the inheritance.

Although the heir apparent is first in line, the heir's interest is only an expectancy and not a vested property right. The heir has no enforceable legal claim prior to the ancestor’s death.

[Last reviewed in December of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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