Collateral Heir

Strictly, those whom statutory law would appoint to inherit an estate should the ancestor die without a Will (Intestate). The term is often applied indiscriminately to those who inherit by will or Deed, as well as by operation of law.

A successor to property — either by will or descent and distribution — who is not directly descended from the deceased but comes from a parallel line of the deceased's family, such as a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin.