“I disinherit you!” is easier said than done. The hurdles for disinheritance are very high under German inheritance law. This applies at least to heirs who are entitled to a compulsory portion in accordance with the statutory order of succession.

If you do not wish to bequeath your estate in accordance with the statutory order of succession, you have two options for making individual arrangements for your inheritance: a handwritten will or a notarized will. What are the advantages of a notarized will over a handwritten will?

The basic rule in Germany is that when a person dies, the statutory succession applies. It is also possible to deviate from these statutory regulations. To do this, the future testator must draw up a will during their lifetime. Here you can find out what types of wills there are in Germany.