soninlaw

A son-in-law is the husband of one's child, typically one's daughter. There is no standard term for the husband of one’s son; that relationship is described as a daughter-in-law.

The term is formed from "son" and "in-law," with "in-law" indicating kinship established through marriage. It is commonly hyphenated "son-in-law" in modern English; the plural is "sons-in-law." The concept is part of the broader set of in-law relationships.

In many cultures, the son-in-law holds a place within the extended family and may be expected to show respect to the in-laws, participate in family decisions, or contribute to household needs; this varies widely by culture, religion, and individual family norms. In some households, the son-in-law is treated as a member of the family soon after marriage; in others, relationships may remain formal.

Legal rights and obligations of a son-in-law flow primarily through the marriage and the laws of the country. A son-in-law does not automatically inherit from the in-laws unless a will or statutory scheme provides it. In some jurisdictions, marriage may affect rights related to healthcare decisions, visitation, or guardianship in specific circumstances, but such rules are highly jurisdiction-specific.

In contemporary usage, the term is neutral and widely used; in fiction and media, sons-in-law are depicted in a range of roles from affectionate to comedic; it is also used in genealogy to describe family relationships.