Inheritance facts for kids

Inheritance is about passing on important things when someone dies. These things can include property like land or houses. They can also be titles, like being a duke or duchess. Sometimes, even debts or responsibilities are passed on.

Usually, these things go to family members. People have had rules about inheritance for thousands of years. Often, a special document called a will helps decide who gets what.

Who Gets What?

When only sons or other male family members receive the inheritance, it's called patrilineal succession. This means the line of inheritance follows the father's side.

If only daughters or other female family members get the inheritance, it's called matrilineal succession. In this case, the inheritance follows the mother's side.

Heirs and Heiresses

The person who receives property or other things when someone dies is called an heir if they are male. If they are female, they are called an heiress.

Different Kinds of Inheritance

The word "inheritance" can mean different things.

Cultural Inheritance

When traditions, ideas, or knowledge are passed down through generations, it's called a legacy. This is like a cultural inheritance. For example, a family recipe passed down for hundreds of years is a legacy.

Genetic Inheritance

When traits like eye color or hair type are passed from parents to children, it's called heredity. This is a form of genetic inheritance. It's about the genes we get from our parents.

Images for kids

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  From William Hogarth's A Rake's Progress. "The Young Heir Takes Possession Of The Miser's Effects".

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  This chart shows how much inheritance was received and what people did with it in Great Britain between 2008 and 2010.

See also

In Spanish: Herencia (Derecho) para niños