Pärandusseadus

Pärandusseadus, also known as the Law of Succession, is the legal framework governing how a person's assets and liabilities are transferred to their heirs upon their death. In many jurisdictions, this law outlines the rules for both intestate succession, where a person dies without a valid will, and testamentory succession, where a will dictates the distribution of assets. The primary purpose of the Pärandusseadus is to ensure an orderly and fair transfer of property, minimizing disputes among beneficiaries.

Under intestate succession, the law typically establishes a hierarchy of heirs, often starting with the deceased's spouse and children, followed by parents, siblings, and more distant relatives. The specific order and proportions of inheritance vary significantly between legal systems. Testamentory succession, on the other hand, allows individuals to specify their beneficiaries and the distribution of their estate through a legally recognized will. However, even with a will, certain legal constraints might exist, such as mandatory inheritance rights for close family members in some countries.

The process of inheritance usually involves formal legal procedures, such as probate, where a court validates the will and oversees the distribution of assets. This can include identifying and valuing the deceased's property, settling debts and taxes, and finally transferring the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. Understanding the Pärandusseadus is crucial for individuals to plan their estates effectively and for heirs to navigate the inheritance process.