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Inheritance law / Wills

Our Basic Law guarantees the so-called freedom of testamentary disposition: everyone can determine for themselves, through a testamentary disposition, who should receive their assets in the event of their death. In doing so, the testator is not required to adhere to the order of succession prescribed by law. They are generally free to appoint other persons, such as those not related to them, as heirs, to change the statutory inheritance quotas, to exclude certain persons from the inheritance, or to arrange for legacies or the execution of a will. Such provisions are the subject of a will or an inheritance contract.

All documents relevant to determining heirs will be registered with the registry offices by the end of 2011, and from 2012 onwards in the Central Register of Wills of the Federal Chamber of Notaries (ZTR). This ensures that the respective document is taken into account in the probate proceedings after the death. This procedure thus ensures that the deceased’s last wishes contained in the respective document are actually implemented.

As notaries, we are happy to assist you in the legally sound preparation of your last will and testament. The official custody and registration in the Central Register of Inheritances (ZTR), which always takes place at the notary, ensures that the respective document cannot be lost. Incidentally, with a notarized will or inheritance contract, a certificate of inheritance usually does not need to be issued after death – this saves the surviving relatives a potentially lengthy process and additional costs.