Swiss inheritance law categorises the testator's relatives into groups (parenteles) within the framework of intestate succession and creates a hierarchy both between and within the parenteles.
This means that, in principle, the children of the deceased become the first line of legal heirs. In accordance with Article 457 of the Swiss Civil Code, they inherit alone and in equal shares. If the children die before the deceased, their descendants, i.e. the grandchildren of the deceased, take the place of the children.
If there are no descendants of the deceased and his parents are still alive, they become the sole legal heirs, each with a half share (Article 458).
Example:
Widowed E dies and leaves behind two children and his parents. He has not made a will.
Solution:
In the absence of an arbitrary inheritance order, statutory inheritance law shall apply. The children each inherit half of the estate in accordance with Article 458. E's parents inherit nothing.