General

What is the meaning of "heir according to law" ?

Usually a blood relative of the deceased who gains a part of the estate according to what is stated in the relevant legislation , where there is no valid will. Where no relative is entitled to inherit, the state becomes the heir according to law.  

What does the term "heir according to a will" mean?

A person who may, but need not be, a relative, or an association, named as a beneficiary in the deceased's will i.e. a person or body to whom property is left under a will.  

Who comes first – an heir according to law, or according to a will?

One according to a will. The 1965 Inheritance Law explicitly states that a person can choose to make a will in which he bequeaths his/her property as he/she wishes, and this will override any provisions of the act, which will only apply in the absence of a will.

What happens when a will only contains negative instructions i.e. states who shall not inherit?