Inheritance Law

Much can be settled during one's lifetime, and the earlier it is discussed, the more options remain open. Before we draft an arrangement, we first clarify whom it is meant to bind and what consequences it has for the family and the business.

Once succession has occurred, the issues are usually information, valuation and equalisation among those involved. Whether the outcome is an agreement or proceedings depends on how robust the basis for the negotiations is.

• Drafting testamentary dispositions: wills and inheritance contracts (Erbverträge)
• Lasting powers of attorney (Vorsorgevollmachten), advance healthcare directives and arrangements for lifetime transfers of assets
• Anticipated succession (vorweggenommene Erbfolge) and business succession, including the consequences under family law and corporate law
• Inheritance disputes and the division of the estate among co-heirs, including cases with a cross-border element
• We enforce inheritance claims, claims to the compulsory portion (Pflichtteil) and claims for information, in and out of court.
• Execution of wills, estate administration and estate insolvency, as well as appointment as executor or as estate curator (Nachlasspfleger)
• Community of heirs (Erbengemeinschaft), waiver of inheritance, disclaimer of inheritance, deprivation of the compulsory portion, legacies and the certificate of inheritance (Erbschein)
• Mediation in inheritance disputes