An "heir" is a person who is legally entitled to inherit the property, titles, or rights of another person, typically after their death. This often occurs within families, where an heir may receive assets from a parent or relative. The process of inheritance is usually governed by laws or a will, which outlines how a deceased person's estate should be distributed. Heirs can be direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren, but they can also include other relatives or even non-relatives, depending on the circumstances. In some cultures, the concept of an heir is significant, as it can determine the continuation of family legacies, such as in the case of royal families like the British monarchy.