55-49.1 - Construction of generic terms. - Virginia Statutes

§ 55-49.1. Construction of generic terms.

In the interpretation of deeds, adopted persons and persons born out ofwedlock are included in class gift terminology or terms of relationship inaccordance with rules for determining relationships for purposes of intestatesuccession unless a contrary intent appears on the face of the deed. Indetermining the intent of a grantor, adopted persons are presumptivelyincluded in such terms as "children," "issue," "kindred," "heirs,""relatives," "descendents" or similar words of classification and arepresumptively excluded by such terms as "natural children," "issue of thebody," "blood kindred," "heirs of the body," "blood relatives,""descendents of the body" or similar words of classification.

(1987, c. 604.)