Naturales: The Legal Status and Rights of Illegitimate Children

Definition & Meaning

The term naturales refers to children who are born to a concubine, a woman who has a recognized relationship with a man but is not legally married to him. In historical Roman law, these children were distinguished from those born to prostitutes, known as spurii. Naturales were considered legitimate heirs of their mother and had certain rights, including the right to support from their father. This recognition provided them with legal standing that spurii did not have.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Naturales are primarily discussed in the context of family law and inheritance rights. Understanding the distinctions between naturales and spurii can be important in cases involving estate planning, inheritance disputes, and family law matters. Users may find it beneficial to utilize legal forms and templates provided by US Legal Forms to navigate situations involving naturales, especially when dealing with issues of legitimacy and inheritance.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A child born to a concubine in ancient Rome would inherit property from their mother and could seek financial support from their father if he was known and acknowledged.

Example 2: In a modern context, an individual may seek to establish their status as a naturale to claim inheritance rights after the death of their mother, who had a recognized relationship with their father. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	Legal Recognition of Naturales
California	Recognizes children born to concubines as legitimate under certain circumstances.
New York	Similar recognition, but may require legal documentation to establish rights.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition
Naturales	Children born to a concubine, recognized with certain rights.
Spurii	Children born to a prostitute, lacking legal rights of inheritance.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you may be classified as a naturale, it is important to gather any relevant documentation that supports your claim, such as birth records or evidence of your parents' relationship. You can explore ready-to-use legal form templates on US Legal Forms to assist with any legal processes related to inheritance or support. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.

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Quick facts

Legal status: Recognized as lawful heirs of the mother.
Rights: Entitled to support from the father.
Distinction: Differentiated from spurii, who have no legal rights.