arvsordning

Arvsordning refers to the legal framework that dictates how a deceased person's property is distributed when no valid will exists. In many jurisdictions, this system is based on kinship and proximity of relationship to the deceased. Typically, the closest relatives inherit first. This usually includes the surviving spouse and children. If there are no surviving children, the inheritance may pass to the deceased's parents and siblings.

The specific order and entitlement can vary significantly between countries and legal systems. Some systems prioritize a surviving spouse's share, potentially giving them a certain portion or all of the estate depending on whether there are children. Children usually inherit equally. If a child has predeceased the parent, their share may pass to their own children, known as representation.

Beyond immediate family, the arvsordning often extends to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, although the priority decreases with each degree of kinship. In the absence of any identifiable relatives, the estate may revert to the state. The purpose of arvsordning is to provide a clear and predictable process for asset distribution, preventing disputes and ensuring that assets are passed on to individuals with a recognized legal claim. It serves as a default mechanism when an individual has not made their wishes known through a will.