We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Heir Apparent?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,103
Share

An heir apparent is someone who stands the right to inherit as long as she or he outlives someone, assuming that there are no extreme extenuating circumstances. This term is most commonly used in references to hereditary titles, which operate under complex systems of inheritance. A related term, “heir presumptive,” refers to someone who would probably inherit in the event of someone's death, but could be displaced at any time.

Inherited titles are usually passed down under the system of primogeniture. In this system, the first born inherits everything. By convention, primogeniture was historically restricted to male children, which meant that if a king and queen had four daughters followed by a single son, for example, the son would be the heir apparent despite the fact that he would be younger than his sisters. Several nations have opted to change to a system of absolute primogeniture, in which inheritance laws ignore gender.

The heir apparent is the person who has the right to the title under the laws of primogeniture. In a nation with absolute primogeniture, this would be the first child of the couple which holds the title. If a couple failed to have children, they could have heirs presumptive in the form of siblings and the children of siblings, as well as among more distance relatives. These heirs could be usurped by an heir apparent, and in some regions, the law even required a waiting period to determine whether or not widows were pregnant before surrendering titles to heirs presumptive. If a widow was pregnant, her child would be the heir apparent, and such women sometimes acted as regents to hold a title until their children came of age.

In addition to inheriting the title, the heir apparent also inherits the estate. By convention, it is common for people to make settlements in life to ensure that other siblings are provided for, and once an heir apparent inherits a title, she or he may also make settlements on siblings and other relatives. However, the holder of a title and estate can opt to disinherit someone by making no provisions for her or his welfare.

Historically, disputes over inheritance of titles could become extremely bitter. Most nations today which retain hereditary titles and nobility use these titles primarily ceremonially. Historically, members of the nobility, especially the monarch, had absolute power and as a result competition to inherit was ferocious. People were not above killing to place themselves in a stronger position to inherit the throne. Being the heir apparent could actually be quite dangerous as many potential presumptive heirs would have had a strong interest in eliminating competition.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-heir-apparent.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.