a person entitled to take or share in the property of a decedent under the statutes governing descent and distribution
A beneficiary entitled to payment; an heir, especially one who obtains personal property from the estate of an intestate decedent.
Any person who would share in an estate pursuant to EPTL (Estates, Powers and Trusts Law) Section 4-1.1 or EPTL 4-1.2 if decedent did not leave a Will. Distributees are necessary parties to a probate proceeding because their right to share in the estate may be changed by the terms of the Will.
The person or persons who share in the inheritance of an estate with the exception of creditors.