Pärandus

Pärandus refers to the transmission of property, rights, and obligations from a deceased person to their heirs. This process is governed by inheritance law, which varies by jurisdiction. Generally, inheritance can be either by will (testate succession) or by law (intestate succession) when no will exists.

When a person dies testate, their assets are distributed according to the instructions laid out in their legally valid will. A will typically designates specific beneficiaries and outlines how the deceased's estate should be divided. If a will is not valid or does not cover all assets, the remainder may be distributed through intestate succession.

Intestate succession applies when a person dies without a valid will. In such cases, the law dictates who inherits the property. Typically, the closest relatives, such as a spouse, children, or parents, are prioritized in a predefined order. The specific order and proportions of inheritance are determined by the applicable laws of the relevant jurisdiction.

The process of pärandus often involves legal procedures such as probate, where a court oversees the administration of the estate, settles debts, and ensures the lawful distribution of assets to the heirs. Heirs may have certain rights and responsibilities, including the obligation to pay taxes and debts of the deceased before receiving their inheritance. The concept of pärandus is fundamental to property law and ensures the orderly transfer of wealth and possessions after death.