If the decedent dies testate, his property is distributed in accordance with his testament.

If the decedent died intestate, his property is inherited in the following order:

• His descendants. If one of his children predeceased him, that child's children would represent the predeceased child in the succession. Each child or represented child would inherit an equal portion. A surviving spouse will have usufruct over that property which had been community property. The surviving spouse may be required to post security if the usufruct covers property to be inherited by a forced heir (See Forced Heir)
• If the decedent has no descendants but was married, his surviving spouse would inherit the community property
• If the decedent has no descendants, his separate property will be inherited by his brothers and sisters, or their children, if any of his brothers and sisters have predeceased the decedent, That inheritance is subject to a usufruct in favor of his parents. Half brothers and half sisters inherit according to their lines. They may inherit only a half share, and that half share may or may not be subject to a usufruct in favor of their parent. If there are brothers or sisters on only one side, they inherit to the exclusion of all others.
• If the decedent has no descendants, brothers or sisters, or descendants of brothers and sisters, his property is inherited by his parents.
• If the decedent leaves no descendants, parents, brothers or sisters, or descendants of brothers and sisters, his separate property is inherited by his spouse.
• If the decedent leaves no descendants, surviving spouse, parents, brothers or sisters, or descendants of either of them, his property is inherited by his nearest ascendants, or if no ascendants, by his nearest collateral relation.