Grandfather’s share of the inheritance is an important topic that often raises many questions when an estate is being divided among heirs.
Understanding the Sharia and legal rules that govern a grandfather’s inheritance helps heirs ensure that the estate is distributed fairly and in accordance with Bahraini law.
In this article, we explain the subject in detail and provide practical examples to make the rules easier to understand.
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Grandfather’s share of the inheritance under Bahraini law
Grandfather’s share of the inheritance is determined according to Islamic Sharia principles, which form the main basis for inheritance rules in Bahrain.
The grandfather’s entitlement varies depending on which other heirs are present. The main situations are explained below:
1. A grandfather inheriting with brothers and sisters
When a grandfather inherits alongside brothers or sisters, whether full siblings, paternal half-siblings, or maternal half-siblings, his entitlement may be determined in one of the following ways:
- Residuary inheritance: He receives what remains of the estate after the fixed shares have been distributed.
- Sharing: The estate is divided between the grandfather and the brothers and sisters according to the applicable inheritance rules.
For example, if the estate is worth BHD 60,000 and there are full siblings together with the grandfather, the grandfather may receive the residuary share after the fixed-share heirs receive their entitlements, or the estate may be shared with the siblings, depending on which method gives him the better share.
2. A grandfather inheriting with sons and daughters
When the deceased leaves sons or daughters, the grandfather’s entitlement depends on the overall group of heirs and the applicable inheritance rules.
- The grandfather may inherit from the remaining estate after the prescribed shares have been distributed.
- His final entitlement depends on the presence of the deceased’s descendants and the shares due to the other heirs.
For example, if the estate is worth BHD 100,000 and the deceased leaves one son and one daughter, the grandfather’s entitlement is calculated after considering the legally prescribed shares of all eligible heirs.
3. A grandfather inheriting when there are no other heirs
If there are no other eligible heirs, such as children, siblings, or grandchildren, the grandfather may inherit the estate as the nearest eligible residuary heir, subject to the applicable Sharia and legal rules.
Comparison between the grandfather’s and grandmother’s inheritance shares
| Grandfather’s share | Grandmother’s share | Other heirs |
| Residuary inheritance or sharing | One-sixth of the estate | With siblings |
| The remainder after prescribed shares | One-sixth of the estate | With children |
| The entire estate, where legally applicable | Up to one-sixth of the estate | No other heirs |
Why an inheritance lawyer is important
Handling inheritance cases requires proper knowledge of both Sharia principles and Bahraini legal procedures. Appointing an experienced inheritance lawyer can help with:
- Ensuring that the estate is divided fairly in accordance with Sharia and applicable legal rules.
- Resolving disputes between heirs and reducing disagreements caused by incorrect interpretations of inheritance rules.
- Preparing and documenting legal papers, including inheritance declarations and applications submitted to the courts.
Consulting a specialist inheritance lawyer does more than provide legal solutions. It also helps protect the legal rights of everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about Grandfather’s share of the inheritance.
What is the grandfather’s share if there are brothers and sisters?
The grandfather may inherit through residuary inheritance or sharing with the brothers and sisters, depending on the method that gives him the better entitlement under the applicable inheritance rules
Does the grandfather’s share change if the deceased has children?
Yes. The grandfather’s entitlement changes when the deceased leaves children. His share is calculated according to the prescribed inheritance rules and the shares due to the other eligible heirs
What procedures are required to divide an estate that includes a grandfather as an heir?
The procedures generally include:
1. Providing the death certificate.
2. Obtaining an official document identifying the legal heirs.
3. Appointing a specialist lawyer to supervise the estate division process.
Grandfather’s share of the inheritance is a detailed legal issue that requires a proper understanding of Islamic Sharia principles and Bahraini law. Whether the grandfather inherits as a residuary heir or through another applicable method depends on which other heirs are present.
To ensure that the estate is distributed fairly and lawfully, it is always advisable to consult a specialist lawyer. Our law firm provides dedicated legal services in inheritance matters to help protect the rights of all parties.
To contact our office, use the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and request a clear legal consultation.
For more related information:
Maternal half-sister inheritance under Bahraini law.
Children’s share of their mother’s inheritance under Bahraini law.
A Bahraini lawyer and the founder of a legal consultancy firm established in February 2019. He holds a Higher Degree in Sharia and Law from Al-Azhar University. He has extensive experience in court representation and providing legal advice in criminal, personal status, civil, and commercial matters. He is known for delivering clear, practical, and effective legal advice aimed at protecting his clients’ rights and interests, and has achieved tangible results in notable cases, including commercial litigation and inheritance matters
