Inheritance Law.Empathetic advice. Clear arrangements.

Without a will, the statutory order of succession applies. This means your assets are distributed among your relatives according to fixed legal rules – which often does not reflect your own wishes and can lead to family conflicts. Unmarried partners are particularly disadvantaged: they inherit nothing under the law, regardless of how long the relationship lasted. A will can remedy this. There are two basic forms: the holographic will, which must be written entirely by hand and signed, and the notarial will, which is formally recorded by a notary. Both are legally valid – the notarial will, however, offers greater security as it is registered in the Central Wills Register and can be quickly located in the event of death. Importantly, a will can be changed or revoked at any time. Married couples may also draw up a joint will – the so-called Berlin Testament – in which the spouses appoint each other as sole heirs. Note, however, that even a will cannot fully exclude the compulsory share entitlements of close relatives. We advise you comprehensively on which form is right for your personal situation.

Those entitled to a compulsory share are the deceased's descendants – children and, where applicable, grandchildren – and the spouse. If the deceased leaves no descendants, the parents may also be entitled. The compulsory share arises where an entitled person has been excluded from succession by will or inheritance contract, and amounts to half of the statutory share. It is purely a monetary claim against the heirs. We examine whether and to what extent a claim exists – and enforce or defend it on your behalf.

The first consultation with us is generally free of charge and non-binding. We take the time to understand your situation and provide an initial legal assessment – at no risk to you. Following the initial assessment, we will openly discuss the next steps and the associated costs, so that you have full transparency from the outset.