Beste Nachlassplanung Anwälte in Vaduz

1. About Nachlassplanung Law in Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Nachlassplanung, or estate planning, in Liechtenstein focuses on arranging the transfer of assets after death and when someone becomes incapacitated. In Vaduz, the governing framework is primarily the Liechtenstein Civil Code and related inheritance provisions. These rules set out how wills are formed, how estates are distributed, and the rights of surviving spouses and children.

The core texts cover the validity of testamentary documents, intestate succession, and the roles of executors and guardians. Wills can be private or notarized, and the form used can affect cross-border recognition for assets located abroad. Planning ahead helps reduce disputes and ensures assets are managed per your wishes.

Liechtenstein’s inheritance framework is anchored in the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) and its Erbrecht provisions. This governs how assets pass on when a person dies and what formalities apply to wills. Source: Liechtenstein Civil Code and official statute portals.

For current texts and official versions, see the Liechtenstein statute portals and government resources. Gesetze des Fürstentums Liechtenstein.

Wills and notarial acts are central to Liechtenstein estate planning, with the Notariatsordnung guiding notaries in authenticating testamentary dispositions. Source: Official Liechtenstein government resources.

See official government information for how to approach notarial will creation and other formal requirements. Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Estate planning in Liechtenstein involves technical rules and cross-border considerations. A lawyer helps tailor your plan to your family structure and assets in Vaduz and abroad.

• Cross-border assets and multi-jurisdictional estates: If you own a property in Vaduz and accounts or real estate in Switzerland or Austria, a lawyer coordinates different regimes to avoid conflicts of law and tax inefficiencies.
• Family complexity and guardianship: If you have spouses, stepchildren, or minor children, a lawyer drafts precise provisions to protect dependents and clarify guardianship and inheritance shares.
• Business succession: For owners of Liechtenstein companies, a lawyer structures the transfer to successors while protecting minority rights and continuity of the business.
• Contested or complex wills: If your family situation might invite disputes, a lawyer helps ensure formal validity and reduces the risk of challenges after death.
• Digital and legacy planning: A lawyer can include digital assets, passwords, and data access provisions in your plan to prevent loss of control over online accounts and data.
• Special instruments for asset protection: Where appropriate, a lawyer can advise on structures like foundations or other instruments permitted under Liechtenstein law to meet goals such as asset protection or charitable giving.

3. Local Laws Overview

The main legal framework for Nachlassplanung in Liechtenstein rests on the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) and related inheritance provisions. In addition, the Notariatsordnung governs the form and authentication of testamentary documents. For cross-border issues, Liechtenstein relies on its private international law rules.

Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (BGB) - Erbrecht: This is the central civil code section addressing inheritance, succession rights of relatives, and the formal requirements for wills. The BGB provides the default rules if someone dies without a valid will.

Notariatsordnung (Notariatsgesetz) - Notarial framework for wills: This law governs how notaries certify public wills and ensure the authenticity and enforceability of testamentary dispositions, particularly useful for complex estates and cross-border concerns.

Internationales Privatrecht des Fürstentums Liechtenstein - Private International Law: Governs which jurisdiction applies to cross-border inheritance questions, including conflicts of law and applicable law for multi-jurisdiction estates.

For the current text and any amendments, consult the official statute portals and government pages. Gesetze des Fürstentums Liechtenstein. You can also review guidance on notarial acts at Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nachlassplanung in Liechtenstein and why is it important?

Nachlassplanung arranges how assets pass after death and who manages them. It helps prevent disputes, clarifies guardianship for minors, and aligns asset distribution with your wishes. Planning is particularly important for cross-border estates common for Liechtenstein residents.

What forms of will can be made under Liechtenstein law?

There are two main forms: a private (Eigenhändiges) will and a public (Notariell beurkundetes) will. The notarial form is often preferred for complex or cross-border estates. The form you choose affects validity and ease of probate.

Do I need a lawyer to draft a will in Vaduz?

While not always required, a lawyer helps ensure compliance with formal requirements and coordinates with notaries. A lawyer reduces the risk of ambiguities that lead to disputes or invalid provisions.

How long does probate typically take in Liechtenstein?

Probate timelines vary with estate size and complexity. Simple estates may conclude within a few months, while larger cross-border estates can take longer due to asset verification and creditor claims. Your lawyer can provide a more precise estimate.

How much does a Nachlassplanung lawyer cost in Vaduz?

Lawyer fees in Liechtenstein are typically hourly, plus potential notary charges. Typical rates range from CHF 150 to CHF 350 per hour, depending on complexity and seniority. A fixed quote is often possible for defined tasks.

Can I modify my will after signing it in Liechtenstein?

Yes, you can revise or revoke a will. Amendments should be executed in the same form as the original will. It is common to update plans after life events such as marriage, divorce, or birth of children.

What is an Erbvertrag and when should I consider one?

An Erbvertrag is an inheritance contract that records agreed dispositions between parties. It can provide clear, binding terms and reduce later disputes, especially in blended families or business succession contexts. A lawyer can determine if an Erbvertrag is appropriate for your situation.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Liechtenstein?

Intestate succession applies, determining shares for surviving spouses and relatives under the BGB. This can differ from your intended distribution, so an estate plan helps avoid unintended outcomes.

Do I need to appoint guardians for minor children in a Liechtenstein will?

Yes, you can nominate guardians to care for minor children. A lawyer can ensure the appointment is legally valid and aligns with court approval processes if needed. This avoids uncertainty for your children's future.

Is digital asset planning supported by Liechtenstein law?

Liechtenstein plans to address digital assets within estate planning, but precise requirements should be confirmed with a local attorney. Including access to digital accounts, passwords, and data can help protect your legacy and reduce burden on heirs.

What documents should I gather before meeting a Nachlassplanung lawyer?

Assemble identification papers, property deeds, bank statements, life insurance policies, existing wills, and a list of heirs and guardians. A current inventory of assets both in Liechtenstein and abroad helps tailor your plan.

5. Additional Resources

The following official resources provide authoritative information on Liechtenstein estate planning and related law.

• Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein - Official government information on legal forms, notary services, and civil law processes. Website
• Obergericht des Fürstentums Liechtenstein - Court information relevant to probate and enforcement of wills and estates. Website
• Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer - Professional guidance and referrals for licensed lawyers practicing in Liechtenstein. (Official professional body information via the chamber's site or contact channels.)

6. Next Steps

1. Define your goals and list all relevant assets in Liechtenstein and abroad. This clarifies the scope for your estate plan.
2. Gather essential documents such as IDs, property deeds, bank statements, and any existing wills or agreements.
3. Identify potential heirs, guardians for minor children, and any business beneficiaries or partners involved.
4. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney in Vaduz to review your situation and discuss preferred forms (private will versus notarial will or Erbvertrag).
5. Have the attorney draft the will or Erbvertrag and arrange for notarial execution if required. Obtain a clear, written estimate of costs.
6. Notarize the document if necessary and store original copies in a secure, accessible location; provide copies to trusted executors or guardians.
7. Schedule an annual or life-event review to update your plan as assets, family circumstances, or laws change.