What it is: the person or people legally entitled to inherit property when someone passes away. If a person dies without a valid will (intestate), state law decides who their heirs are and how the estate is distributed.
Heirs vs. beneficiaries: heirs inherit by law (because there is no will, or the will fails); beneficiaries receive by a document’s designation. The two are not always the same people.
How intestacy works in Illinois (in short): a surviving spouse and children are first in line; if none, parents; then siblings; then more distant relatives. Unmarried partners and stepchildren are generally not heirs without a will or adoption.
Watch out for: “my girlfriend gets everything” or “my stepkids are covered” are wishes, not law. Without a will, the statute decides — and it may not match your intent at all.