Your notary for inheritance law and wills in Cologne

<h3>Clear Last Will to Avoid Disputes Among Heirs</h3>
<p>A clear last will through a testament or inheritance contract helps prevent disputes among heirs. Statutory inheritance law often no longer reflects today’s family situations. In addition to the spouse, the biological descendants of the deceased inherit and form a community of heirs. Nowadays, many couples not only have mutual children but often also children from previous relationships. In such cases, statutory inheritance law leaves it to chance which children receive which share of the estate. A last will (testament or inheritance contract) allows you to resolve these issues.</p>

<h3>Types and Formal Requirements of a Testament</h3>
<p>A testament can be made by any person. It can be handwritten or notarized. A handwritten testament must be entirely written by hand, signed, and dated. Spouses may also create a joint handwritten testament. A notarized testament or inheritance contract, however, offers greater legal certainty. A testament prepared by a notary is usually created by an individual or a married couple. An inheritance contract regulates inheritance matters between any parties in a legally binding manner. It is available to spouses, life partners, and for binding arrangements between parents and children. As there is no court custody fee, it is also more cost-effective than a joint notarized testament.</p>

<h3>The Notarial Consultation as a Foundation</h3>
<p>The core of every testamentary disposition is the consultation with the notary. In a personal meeting, your notary will work with you to translate your intentions into a legally sound arrangement. Only once the provisions fully reflect your wishes will the testament or inheritance contract be notarized.</p>

<h3>Binding Nature and Flexibility in Inheritance Contracts</h3>
<p>Inheritance contracts may include binding inheritance rules, meaning they cannot be altered by the surviving partner. However, such obligations may also be structured in a tiered manner or completely waived.</p>

<h3>Costs and Financial Advantages</h3>
<p>The cost of a testamentary disposition is based on the net value of the estate. For example, notarizing an inheritance contract, including prior consultation, for a joint estate worth EUR 100,000 costs approximately EUR 600 net. It is worth noting that a notarial testament or inheritance contract can replace a certificate of inheritance (a court-issued document verifying succession), which would otherwise incur similar costs.</p>

<h3>Further Information and Personal Consultation</h3>
<p>A checklist of the information required for a testament or inheritance contract is available upon request from Notar Köln. Further information on applicable notarial fees can be found <a href=”https://www.notar-haas-sauer.de/notargebuehren/”>here</a>.</p>

<p>We are available as your notary for inheritance law to assist with consultation and/or notarization in all inheritance-related matters. Drafts can of course also be prepared in cooperation with your lawyer.</p>