Halfsiblings

Half-siblings are individuals who share exactly one biological or genetic parent, but not both. They can be connected through the same mother or the same father, and their relationship arises when two people have a common parent but different other parents. In some families, half-siblings grow up in the same household, while in others they meet later or have limited contact.

Genetically, half-siblings share about 25% of their DNA on average, due to inheriting one set of chromosomes from the common parent. The actual amount of shared genetic material can vary because of how genes are recombined during reproduction and the randomness of inheritance. This average coefficient of relatedness is a general guideline rather than a fixed rule.

Half-siblings are distinct from step-siblings and adoptive siblings. Step-siblings are connected through a parent's remarriage and do not share a biological parent, while adoptive siblings may be raised together without a genetic link. In legal contexts, inheritance and parental rights involving half-siblings vary by jurisdiction and can depend on specific circumstances, such as wills, intestate succession rules, or custody arrangements.

Social and familial dynamics around half-siblings can differ widely. Some families maintain close relationships, while others have limited interaction due to distance, family history, or conflicting loyalties. Understanding of half-siblings often intersects with genetics, family history, and personal identity, reflecting a range of lived experiences.