Will Information

If a will or a contract of inheritance exists, the deceased person is inherited by the person or persons appointed as heir by the deceased. If there is neither a will nor a contract of inheritance, the legal succession occurs.

Here, the legal regulations determine who becomes an heir. This so-called legal succession ensures that no one dies without heirs. Anyone who wants to make deviating regulations can do so by means of a will or a contract of inheritance.

A will can be drawn up before a notary. In addition, there is the possibility of a private will. Strict formal requirements apply here, in the event of non-observance of which the will is invalid. In the case of legally or factually difficult cases or if you are unsure, you should seek detailed professional advice, be it legal, notarial or tax-related.

The place of custody for handwritten wills is freely chosen by the testator. In order to secure the finding, the testator can also opt for special official custody at a probate court. This ensures safe storage until death and quick detection after death.

Notarial wills are placed directly by the notary notary at the probate court in special official custody.

Since 01.01.2012, the Federal Chamber of Notaries has been operating the Central Register of Wills for Germany. The register is used to find officially stored succession-relevant documents so that the probate court can decide quickly and, above all, correctly in the event of death. The Central Register of Wills includes those custody details of notarial deeds and such handwritten wills that have been placed in special official custody that are necessary to find these documents quickly and reliably in the event of death.

After the death of the testator, any will that is not already in special official custody must be delivered to the probate court without delay. The probate court opens all dispositions upon death as soon as it becomes aware of the death of the testator. All parties to the proceedings shall be informed of the contents of the dispositions concerning them upon death.