Delaware § 503 - Share of heirs other than surviving spouse.

Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 503 — Share of heirs other than surviving spouse., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 503. Share of heirs other than surviving spouse.

(a) The part of the intestate estate not passing to the surviving spouse under § 502 of this title, or the entire intestate estate if there is no surviving spouse, passes as follows:

(1) To the issue of the decedent, per stirpes;

(2) If there is no surviving issue, to the decedent’s parent or parents equally;

(3) If there is no surviving issue or parent, to the issue of the decedent’s parents, per stirpes;

(4) If there is no surviving issue, parent or issue of a parent, then to the next of kin of the decedent, and to the issue of a deceased next of kin, per stirpes.

(b) Any property passing under this section to 2 or more persons passes to such persons as tenants in common.

(c) An individual who is related to a decedent through more than 1 line of relationship is entitled to only a single share based on 1 line of relationship. If the shares from the lines of relationship are unequal, the individual is entitled to the largest share. The individual and the individual’s descendants are deemed to have predeceased the decedent with respect to the other line or lines of relationship.

59 Del. Laws, c. 384, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  85 Del. Laws, c. 156, § 2; 

Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 503

What does Delaware Code § 503 cover?

Section 503 ("Share of heirs other than surviving spouse.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Delaware § 503?

A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 503" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Delaware law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.

How does Delaware § 503 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.