The surviving spouse is not part of the parentel system. He or she is entitled to a special right of inheritance in accordance with Article 462 of the Swiss Civil Code.
If the surviving spouse has to share the estate with descendants, he or she is entitled to half of the inheritance in accordance with Article 462 Paragraph 1 of the Swiss Civil Code. If the spouse has to share the inheritance with the deceased's parents, he or she is entitled to ¾ of the estate. If there are no heirs from the parental line, the spouse becomes the sole heir in accordance with Article 462 Paragraph 3 of the Swiss Civil Code.