As a general rule, all the spouses’ property is shared, and in the event of the death of one spouse, half of that property belongs to the surviving spouse and the other half is inherited. The notary may open the hereditary file at the request of the heirs. The heirs of the second half of the estate may be the persons indicated in the will or by law. A surviving spouse who lives with the deceased’s children or parents belongs to the first order of the heirs by law. All inherited assets are divided equally between the heirs. If the spouses have established a common will, all their joint property becomes the property of the surviving spouse. This property shall only pass to the heirs specified in the common will after the death of the survivor.

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