Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

Who are considered descendants in legal terms?

1. Only direct children

2. All individuals from a common ancestor

3. Only grandchildren

4. Those established by a will

The correct answer is: All individuals from a common ancestor

In legal terms, descendants refer to all individuals who are directly related to a common ancestor, encompassing a broad range of familial relationships. This includes not only direct children but also grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and can extend to further generations. By including all individuals from a common ancestor, this definition ensures a comprehensive understanding of familial connections, which can be important for matters concerning inheritance, succession, and rights within estates. The other choices are more restrictive and do not capture the full scope of who can be considered a descendant. Direct children and grandchildren represent only specific branches of the family tree, while references to those established by a will relate to a designated inheritance rather than a biological or genealogical connection. As a result, defining descendants as all individuals from a common ancestor provides the most accurate and inclusive understanding within a legal context.