erfðendum

Erfðendum is an Icelandic term that translates to "heirs" or "successors" in English. It refers to individuals who are legally entitled to inherit property, rights, or titles upon the death of another person. This concept is fundamental to inheritance law and dictates the distribution of an estate. The specific rules governing who qualifies as an erfðendum can vary depending on the legal system and the presence or absence of a will.

In the absence of a valid will, or when a will does not cover all assets, the rules of intestate succession typically determine the erfðendum. These rules usually prioritize close family members such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The order of inheritance and the proportion of the estate each erfðendum receives are predefined by law. When a will exists, the testator (the person making the will) can designate specific individuals or organizations as erfðendum, overriding the default intestate succession laws to a certain extent, though legal limitations often exist to protect certain heirs, such as minor children. The process of identifying and confirming erfðendum is a crucial step in the probate of an estate.