Immediate family refers to a person's closest relatives, including their parents, spouse, children, and siblings. This definition often extends to include a parent's spouse, stepchildren, adopted children, and their spouses. In legal contexts, immediate family members are typically recognized for various rights and responsibilities, such as inheritance and caregiving.
The term "immediate family" is commonly used in various legal practices, including family law, estate planning, and employment law. It can impact issues such as:
Users can often manage related legal documents themselves using templates from US Legal Forms, which are designed by qualified attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if a person passes away, their immediate family members may have the right to inherit their estate under state law. This includes biological children and adopted children, as well as a spouse.
(Hypothetical example) A woman may take family leave to care for her sick brother, as he is considered part of her immediate family.
| State | Definition of Immediate Family |
|---|---|
| California | Includes parents, children, siblings, spouse, and domestic partners. |
| Texas | Similar to the general definition, but may include additional relatives in specific contexts. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Extended Family | Includes relatives beyond immediate family, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. |
| Family | A broader term that can include distant relatives and non-relatives in certain contexts. |
If you find yourself needing to understand your rights or responsibilities regarding immediate family, consider the following steps:
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Immediate family typically includes parents, siblings, spouse, children, and sometimes stepfamily members.