meaning of the word "issue" in a will

-----a person's children or other lineal descendants such as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It does not mean all heirs, but only the direct bloodline. Occasionally, there is a problem in determining whether a writer of a will or deed meant issue to include descendants beyond his or her immediate children. While a child or children are alive, issue refers only to them, but if they are deceased then it will apply to the next generation unless there is language in the document which shows it specifically does not apply to them.


So am I correct that this does not ever include any non-blood kin (except maybe legally adopted children)?

That is normally correct yes. Of course always have a lawyer review the entire will if any interpretation questions of significance occur.