The topic of wills is often avoided or postponed "for later," but legally speaking – a will is one of the most important documents someone can create during their lifetime. It allows you to clearly express your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate after death and thus prevent possible conflicts among heirs.
What is a Will?
A will (testament) is a unilateral legal act in which the testator decides to whom they leave their property after death.
Why is it Important for a Will to be Legally Valid?
The law strictly prescribes the form and conditions for the validity of a will. If a will is not properly drafted, it can easily become invalid, which leads to the application of statutory inheritance – regardless of the testator's wishes.
Most Common Mistakes People Make When Drafting a Will Themselves:
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Failure to comply with legal form
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Lack of certification or not handwritten
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Insufficiently clear distribution of property
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Leaving property that the testator does not own
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Excluding heirs without legal basis
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Unawareness that a will exists or where it is located
Advantages of a Will
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You decide to whom you leave your property
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You can exclude heirs (under certain conditions)
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You avoid conflicts among heirs
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You protect persons who otherwise would not have the right to inheritance by law (partners, friends, institutions…)
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
As a lawyer, I can help you to:
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Legally and precisely formulate your wishes
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Draft a will in accordance with the law
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Choose the most suitable form
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Organize certification and safekeeping of the will
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Ensure that the document will be found and applied after death
