Legal Death
/ˈliːɡəl dɛθ/
Definitions
- (n.) The formal recognition by law that a person is deceased, often following medical or legal procedures.
The court issued a declaration of legal death after thorough examination.
- (n.) A status that triggers the distribution of the deceased's estate and termination of legal rights and responsibilities.
Legal death allows the execution of the will and inheritance proceedings to begin.
Forms
- legal death
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal death is a status distinct from biological death and may require statutory procedures; clarity in drafting documents regarding death is critical for effective estate and rights management.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.