Arvsfördelningen

Arvsfördelningen, a Swedish term meaning "inheritance distribution," refers to the legal rules governing how a deceased person's property and debts are divided among heirs. The central legislative framework is the Swedish Inheritance Act (Ärvdabalken), which sets out both compulsory and elective portions, rights of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and, if no direct heirs exist, more distant relatives and the state. Under the act, an individual may leave a will (testamente) to alter the default distribution, yet certain reservations—such as the forced share (notskuld) reserved for children and a surviving spouse—remain inviolable. The elective share system establishes proportions that may be adjusted by the court if the testator's provisions affect these mandatory entitlements.

In cases where no will exists—intestate succession—the Act enumerates a precise hierarchy: first-degree relatives receive priority, followed by second-degree relatives, and so forth. Each heir’s share is further delineated by their relationship to the deceased; for example, a surviving spouse typically receives a half of the estate, with the remainder divided among children. When multiple heirs coexist, their shares are distributed equally within their respective categories unless the will specifies otherwise. The law also provides mechanisms for absent heirs to assert their rights and for the state to claim estates that fall outside familial claims. Overall, Swedish arvsfördelningen seeks to balance the deceased's wishes, familial obligations, and the protection of vulnerable heirs.