Kindred Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Kindred, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Kindred?

History and Meaning of Kindred

The term "kindred" refers to a group of blood relatives or people related by marriage. It comes from Old English and has been used in legal documents for centuries. In many cultures, such as in medieval Europe, the concept of kindred played an important role in inheritance and property rights. The idea of kinship was also central to many social and religious practices.

The term "kindred" is still used in legal contexts today, especially in family law. It is often used to determine inheritance rights, child custody, and property division after a death or divorce.

Examples of Kindred

1. In a will, a person may name their kindred as beneficiaries, meaning that their estate will be divided among their blood relatives or in-laws.
2. In a child custody case, the court may consider the child's relationship with their kindred, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles, when making a decision.
3. In a probate case, the court may require the executor to notify all of the decedent's kindred before distributing their assets.

Legal Terms Similar to Kindred

1. Lineal descendants - Refers to direct descendants such as children and grandchildren.
2. Collateral relatives - Refers to relatives who are not direct-line descendants, but rather cousins or siblings.
3. Next of kin - A term often used interchangeably with kindred, but may refer specifically to the closest living blood relative.