In the event of death, the matrimonial community is dissolved and then divided in two. The surviving spouse receives one half and the other half devolves to the heirs of the deceased spouse. However, the surviving spouse is also an heir and his or her rights vary according to the other heirs (Art. 756 et seqq. CC). If there are living descendants, the surviving spouse inherits the usufruct of the entire estate or the ownership of one quarter thereof (Art. 757 CC). If the father and mother of the deceased are living, each of these inherits one quarter, with the remainder devolving to the surviving spouse (Art. 757-1 CC). In the absence of descendants or of the father and mother of the deceased, the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate (Art. 757-2 CC).

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