Affidavit of Heirship
A sworn legal document that identifies the heirs of a person who died without a will. It is often used to transfer property (especially real estate) without going through full probate.
Legal Definition
A sworn statement, typically executed by a disinterested party with personal knowledge, that identifies the decedent's heirs under the applicable intestacy statute, used to establish a chain of title or facilitate asset transfers without full probate administration.
Practical Example
After Grandma dies without a will, the family uses an affidavit of heirship signed by a longtime family friend to transfer her house to her children without going through probate. The affidavit is filed with the county recorder.