Inheritance Share Calculator
Calculate asset distribution among heirs based on standard intestate succession rules. Features multi-jurisdictional logic (Per Stirpes/Capita) and automatic percentage balancing.
Distribution Summary
About
Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, triggers specific legal protocols for asset distribution. These default rules prioritize close relatives like spouses and children before moving to parents or siblings. Complexity arises when dealing with blended families or predeceased heirs. Precision in calculating these shares prevents legal disputes and clarifies financial expectations during probate. This tool models standard intestate succession hierarchies to estimate fractional entitlement to an estate.
Variations in local law significantly impact outcomes. Some jurisdictions grant the surviving spouse the entire estate, while others split it between the spouse and children. Misunderstanding these ratios leads to incorrect assumptions about liquidity and ownership. This calculator applies common distribution logic, such as Per Stirpes, to visualize how an estate value divides among surviving kin.
Formulas
The core logic for distribution often relies on the concept of Net Estate Value after debts. A common formula for spousal share when children are present involves a base amount plus a fraction of the remainder.
When dividing among children (n), the remaining estate (Erem) is split equally in a standard per capita scenario:
Reference Data
| Scenario | Spouse Share | Children Share | Parents Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse Only (No Issue/Parents) | 100% | 0% | 0% | Common in community property states |
| Spouse & Children (Shared) | 50% | 50% | 0% | Children split the remaining half equally |
| Spouse & Parents (No Issue) | 75% | 0% | 25% | Varies by jurisdiction (often UK/US rules) |
| Children Only (No Spouse) | 0% | 100% | 0% | Divided per stirpes among descendants |
| No Spouse/Children/Parents | 0% | 0% | 0% | Goes to siblings or remote kin (Escheat) |