The Status of Spouse and Stepchildren in Inheritance Sharing: Who Has the Right, How Much? Inheritance sharing comes across as a complex and sensitive issue in many families. Especially if there has been more than one marriage, or if the deceased person has children from previous and subsequent marriages, "who, how much does he inherit?" the question becomes even more important. The Legal Right of the Surviving Spouse According to the Turkish legal system, the surviving spouse is one of the legal heirs. In the event of the death of a spouse while the marriage is ongoing, the surviving spouse becomes a partner in the inheritance along with the children. In this case, the legal inheritance share of the spouse is at the rate of 25% (1/4) over real estate and other goods. However, this right applies only if the spouse is alive at the time of death. If the spouse has passed away before the person who left the inheritance, there is no inheritance right for him anymore. This condition also affects the spouse's children from a previous marriage. Because they also have no legal right to inheritance. Do Stepchildren Have an Inheritance Right? There are two basic conditions for children who were born before the second marriage, i.e. stepchildren, to become legal heirs: Adoption: If the deceased person has legally adopted the children of his/her spouse, these children are considered as biological children and have the right to legal inheritance. Will: If a person wants to leave property in certain proportions to his/her spouse's children through a will, he/she must clearly state this in writing. In this case, the inheritance is not legal; it is shared based on the will.