Wills, inheritance contracts and executorship — your last will, legally implemented.
The constitution guarantees testamentary freedom: through a will or inheritance contract, anyone can determine who receives their assets upon death. The testator is not bound by the statutory order of succession.
A will can be made as an individual will or — by spouses or registered partners — as a joint will. Although a will can be handwritten, notarial advice and notarization is strongly recommended: handwritten wills not infrequently contain ambiguities or errors that later give rise to disputes.
The inheritance contract is a disposition of property upon death made in contractual form with at least two parties. Unlike a joint will, unmarried persons can also conclude an inheritance contract. It is an extremely flexible instrument that can optimally adapt succession to your wishes.
All documents relevant to succession are registered in the Central Register of Wills of the Federal Chamber of Notaries. This ensures that the documented last will is taken into account and implemented upon death.
Without a will, statutory succession applies, which often does not reflect your wishes — especially with blended families, businesses or property. A notarial arrangement creates clarity and avoids disputes.
The inheritance contract is often cheaper than a notarial joint will, as it does not have to be placed in special official custody. We clarify which form suits you in a consultation.
In many cases, yes. Banks and land registries often accept a notarial will instead of a certificate of inheritance — saving heirs time and money.
You can change a will at any time. With an inheritance contract the binding effect is stronger — but a later unilateral change can be expressly reserved.