What term refers to a descendant who is one generation up or down from the decedent, such as a parent or a child?

• A. Fractional share formula
• B. Lineal descendant
• C. Pecuniary share
• D. Up-front marital formula

Answer: (B)

Lineal descendant describes a person in the direct line of descent from the decedent, which covers relatives one generation away in either direction—such as a child or a parent. In estate planning language, these are the people connected by birth along the direct bloodline, as opposed to collateral relatives like siblings or cousins. The term specifically fits the idea of someone who is one generation up or down from the decedent.

The other terms refer to how shares or spousal interests are calculated or allocated (not to the type of relative): fractional share formula deals with how portions are divided among heirs, pecuniary share is about cash bequests, and up-front marital formula concerns calculations for a surviving spouse’s share.