What defines a posthumous child in inheritance law?

A posthumous child is defined as a child who is born after the death of a parent. This legal definition is important in inheritance law because it establishes the rights of individuals born after a parent's passing. Such children are generally entitled to inherit from their deceased parent, ensuring that they are not disqualified from claims on the parent's estate merely because they were conceived before the parent died but born afterward.

This concept is crucial in the context of wills and estates, as it addresses the rights of the child to benefit from the estate of a parent who has passed, promoting fairness and family considerations in inheritance scenarios. It affirms that a posthumous child will have the same rights as children born prior to a parent's death, ensuring equal treatment in matters of inheritance.