In the absence of a will, who inherits and how much?
Last update: 10/1/2012
- If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the descendants receive all the estate. The surviving spouse can, however, retain full possession of the deceased spouse’s succession property.
- If the deceased was unmarried and leaves children, the estate devolves to the children in equal shares. An already deceased child’s portion is vested in said child’s descendants per stirpes (representation).
- If the deceased leaves a spouse but no descendants, the surviving spouse inherits all the estate. The deceased’s parents inherit, as subsequent heirs, only after the death of the surviving spouse.
Do partners of a registered or unregistered partnership inherit?
Yes, same sex partners of a registered partnership have the same title to inheritance as married partners.
Detailed information
In the absence of a will, the following principles apply:
If the deceased is single, without issue, the estate is divided equally between his/her parents (2:2 PK).
If the deceased, without a spouse, leaves children, the estate will be divided equally between the children. The share of a predeceased child is vested in said child’s descendants per stirpes (representation).
If the deceased is married and does not have any descendants, the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate (3:1 PK). The deceased’s parents inherit, as subsequent heirs, only on the death of the surviving spouse.
If the deceased is survived by a spouse and children, the descendants inherit the entire estate. The surviving spouse can, however, retain full possession of the deceased spouse’s estate (3:1 PK).
What are the rights to the inheritance of the partners of a registered or non-registered partnership?
The partners of a registered partnership (reserved, according to Finnish law, to same-sex couples) have the same inheritance entitlement as married couples (§ 8 Registered Partnerships Act).
