Concept
If there is no will, inheritance agreement, or foundation, property is distributed by law—according to lines of succession. This is the "default setting," and it often diverges from what the testator would actually have wanted.
🍓 Without a will, inheritance in Russia is divided among eight lines of succession; the first to inherit are the spouse, children, and parents in equal shares. A will, inheritance agreement, or foundation allows you to change this order.
Lines of Succession
The first line consists of the spouse, children, and parents. If they are absent—the second line (full and half siblings, grandparents), then further by kinship, for a total of eight lines. Heirs of the next line are called only if there are no heirs of the previous line. Within a line, shares are equal.
Spousal Share
First, the spousal share (typically half) is separated from the spouses' joint property—it does not form part of the inheritance. Only the remaining portion is divided among the first-line heirs, including the same spouse.
Right of Representation and Dependents
If an heir died before the testator, their share is inherited by their descendants by right of representation—for example, grandchildren in place of a deceased child. A separate category consists of disabled dependents, who inherit together with the line being called.
⚙️ Inheritance must be accepted within six months from the date of its opening. Missing the deadline can only be remedied through court or with the consent of the other heirs.
When Intestate Succession Does Not Fit
🔗 Related
Personal and Hereditary Foundation · Personal and Hereditary Foundation · Inheritance Agreement and Joint Will · Forced Heirship and Compulsory Share · Succession Planning
The statutory order ignores actual relationships: a partner without registered marriage does not inherit, a business is divided equally among all, and the person you need may end up in a distant line. Wills, inheritance agreements, and personal foundations exist precisely to remedy this.
💡 To avoid dividing a business equally among heirs, it is packaged into a foundation—see Personal and Hereditary Foundation.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice.
Key factual claims
- If there is no will, inheritance agreement, or foundation, property is distributed by law—according to lines of succession.
- The statutory order ignores actual relationships: a partner without registered marriage does not inherit, a business is divided equally among all, and the person you need may end up in a distant line.