succession Hear it!

succession definition - legal

n

The taking over of a previous officialÂ’s office, rank, or duties by a new person; the process by which a decedentÂ’s property or rights passes to the inheritors thereof, under the laws of descent and distribution. See also descent.
intestate succession
State laws governing inheritance of property belonging to individual who dies without a will. 

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.