In the absence of a will, who inherits and how much?

In the absence of a will, the following principles apply to various scenarios, like, for example:

• If the deceased was unmarried and without children: The succession devolves to the parents of the deceased and, if they are already deceased at the time of his/her death, their descendants.
• If the deceased leaves a spouse: The surviving spouse receives half of the succession. The other half is devolved to the parents of the deceased and, if they are already deceased at the time of his/her death, their descendants.
• If the deceased was unmarried and leaves children: The succession devolves to the children and other descendants per stirpes.

• If the deceased leaves a spouse and children: The children – or their children if they are already deceased at the time of the death – and the surviving spouse become heirs in equal shares.

Do partners of a registered or unregistered partnership inherit?

Cypriot law does not recognise registered partnerships between partners of the same-sex or partners of the opposite sex. As regards unregistered partners, Cypriot law does not grant automatic inheritance rights to the surviving partner in such a relationship. In both cases, he/she can become an heir only in the event where a will provides it.

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