The right ascends collaterally.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Rights of inheritance may pass not only downward to descendants but also upward and sideways through collateral lines — relevant in determining succession when direct heirs are absent.

Where this applies

• A man dies without children, and his estate passes not to his parents (upward) but to his brother (collaterally), demonstrating that inheritance rights can move sideways through family lines.
• A property owner dies with no direct descendants, and the court determines that the right of inheritance ascends collaterally to the owner's cousins rather than reverting to the state.
• An intestate estate is distributed to the decedent's nieces and nephews because the right of succession moves through collateral lines when the direct line of descent is exhausted.