How do the deceased's children and relatives inherit?

The descendants of the deceased are the heirs of the first order, Article 495 of the Swiss Civil Code. Legitimate and illegitimate descendants have equal rights, Article 498 of the Swiss Civil Code. However, in the case of illegitimate children, the relationship must be established by acknowledgment or by a court decision.

Only if there are no heirs of the first order do parents and other relatives inherit. Heirs of earlier orders therefore exclude heirs of later orders.