What is the surviving spouse's inheritance right?

The surviving spouse inherits a statutory share of the estate depending on which other relatives survive: one-quarter with children, one-half with parents or siblings, and the full estate if no other relatives exist.

Yes, it is possible — if you have living children, your spouse receives only the first $500,000 of your estate plus half of the remainder; if you have no children but living parents, your spouse gets three-quarters and your parents one-quarter; and if you have neither children nor parents, your spouse inherits everything.

No, you cannot completely disinherit your spouse in England and Wales — they can apply to court for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

In New York, the surviving spouse is entitled to an elective share of $50,000 or one-third of the net estate — whichever is greater.

The spousal inheritance deduction in South Korea is a tax exemption that allows a surviving spouse to deduct up to ₩500 million from the taxable inheritance amount, reducing or eliminating inheritance tax liability.

Spousal right of residence is a legal right granted to a surviving spouse to continue living in the deceased spouse’s registered residence, even if they don’t own it — established under Japan’s Civil Code amendments effective April 1, 2022.