Who inherits an estate?
German inheritance law determines who receives a person’s estate after death. A will or inheritance contract can influence succession; if no effective disposition governs the matter, statutory succession applies. Family relationships, a spouse’s rights and the existence of valid documents must be considered together.
Wills and their form
A handwritten will is one possible ordinary form, but it is not the only one. Section 2231 BGB also provides for a will recorded by a notary. The requirements for a personally written will are governed by section 2247 BGB. The appropriate form and wording depend on the intended arrangements and circumstances.
Typical points of dispute
- Wills, joint wills and inheritance contracts
- Challenging a disposition or a declaration
- Acceptance or renunciation of an inheritance
- The effects of divorce on succession
- Compulsory share claims
- Unworthiness to inherit
- Certificates of inheritance
These subjects do not have a single outcome for every estate. Bring the documents, family details, estate information and known dates to an individual review. The office overview provides contact details.
Statutory sources
Section2231 BGB – ordinary wills and section2247 BGB – handwritten wills are official sources in German.