Paragraph 3: Division into paternal and maternal branches.

Kinship is divided into two branches, depending on whether it proceeds from the father or the mother.

When the estate devolves to ascendants, it is divided equally between those of the paternal branch and those of the maternal branch.

In each branch succeeds, to the exclusion of all others, the ascendant who is in the nearest degree. Ascendants in the same degree succeed by head. In the absence of an ascendant in one branch, ascendants in the other branch receive the entire succession.

When the estate devolves to collaterals other than brothers and sisters or their descendants, it is divided equally between those of the paternal branch and those of the maternal branch.

In each branch succeeds, to the exclusion of all others, the collateral who is in the nearest degree. Collaterals in the same degree succeed by head. In the absence of a collateral in one branch, collaterals in the other branch receive the entire succession.