How can I best handle my inheritance if I have no direct descendants?
July 28, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christiane Melzer
Dear lawyer,
My name is Andrea Mellert and I am faced with the question of how best to handle my inheritance, as I have no direct descendants. I am already of advanced age and want to ensure that my assets are distributed according to my wishes after my passing.
Currently, I have neither a spouse nor children who would qualify as legal heirs. I have some relatives, but no particularly close relationship with them. Therefore, I am unsure of the best way to handle my inheritance to ensure that it does not fall to distant relatives whom I have no contact with.
My biggest concern is that my assets will not be distributed according to my wishes after my death and that distant relatives may make claims. I want to ensure that my inheritance goes to people whom I trust and who are dear to me.
What options are available to me to handle my inheritance best if I have no direct descendants? Are there specific types of wills that I should consider? How can I ensure that my assets go to the individuals I have designated and not to distant relatives?
Thank you in advance for your help and support in this important matter.
Sincerely,
Andrea Mellert
Dear Mrs. Mellert,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the regulation of your inheritance, even though you have no direct descendants. It is understandable that you are concerned about how to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In such a situation, there are various ways to best handle your inheritance.
One option for regulating your inheritance is to create a will. In a will, you can specify exactly who should inherit your assets after your death. You can also designate individuals who are important to you, even if they are not your direct relatives. There are different forms of wills that you can consider to ensure that your wishes are respected.
One option is the so-called notarial will. In this case, the will is certified by a notary and securely stored. A notarial will has the advantage of being less contestable than a holographic will. Alternatively, you can also write a holographic will, in which you personally draft and sign your last will.
If you want to ensure that your assets do not go to distant relatives, you can explicitly specify in the will who should be appointed as the heir. You can also appoint individuals as substitute heirs in case the initially named heirs reject the inheritance or pass away before you. This way, you ensure that your assets go to people you trust and care about.
It is advisable to seek professional advice when creating a will to ensure that all legal requirements are met and your last will is clearly formulated. An experienced lawyer specializing in inheritance law can help you draft a will that reflects your wishes and meets your expectations.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Christiane Melzer
