What does the term "issue" refer to in estate law?

The term "issue" in estate law specifically refers to all descendants of a person, encompassing all generations. This term includes children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on, and is often used in wills and trusts to clarify who is included under the provisions concerning distribution of the estate.

Understanding this terminology is crucial in estate planning and in the interpretation of legal documents, as it defines how inheritances are passed down through generations. The definition reflects a broad scope, ensuring that the line of descent from a deceased individual covers not only children but also extends outward to include all descendants that may arise from those children over time.

In contrast, other choices do not encompass this comprehensive definition. Relatives through marriage, the estate trustee's family, and beneficiaries of a trust represent narrower interpretations or specific categories that do not capture the full lineage implied by "issue."