heirs and assigns

Heirs and Assigns

A term for the persons to whom property is bequeathed in a will (the heirs) and the persons to whom they may in turn give, sell or bequeath the same property (the assigns). The term may be used in a will to indicate that an heir is given unconditional ownership and is free to assign it as he/she wishes.

heirs and assigns

Because of peculiarities in old English common law, these words when used in a deed,“To Harry Smith, his heirs and assigns,” indicate an intention to transfer the maximum possible estate in land.