Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Germany

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Founded in 2000
English
Kanzlei SCHULTE RECHTSANWÄLTE, a Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH located in Germany, is renowned for its comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas. The firm brings a wealth of expertise to the table, specializing in employment law, estate planning, general legal practice, and real...

Founded in 1990
English
SSBP - Ihre Rechtsanwälte Koblenz is a distinguished law firm located in the heart of Germany, known for its deep expertise and comprehensive legal services across various domains. With a strong focus on estate planning, the firm offers meticulous guidance to clients, ensuring their assets are...

English
Established in 1898, Anwaltskanzlei Dr. Mayer & Collegen is a distinguished law firm located in Ellwangen, Germany. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including estate planning, insurance law, labor relations, family law, and real estate law. The firm's...

English
Dr. Dominik Härtl, Fachanwalt für Familien- und Erbrecht, offers specialized legal services in family and inheritance law from his office in Dachau, Germany. With qualifications as a certified specialist in both fields and accreditation as a mediator since 2006, Dr. Härtl provides comprehensive...

Founded in 2004
English
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei und Schuldnerberatung Brandt, located in Bad Doberan, Germany, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including family law, labor law, estate planning, bankruptcy, and credit counseling. Led by experienced attorney Caroline Brandt, the firm is...

Founded in 1981
English
Harnischmacher Löer Wensing Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB, established in 1981, has evolved into one of the leading law firms in the Westphalia region. With a team comprising over 20 attorneys, including 18 specialized lawyers and 3 notaries, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across various...

English
Rechtsanwältin Katharina Bohnhorst leads the esteemed law firm Ehren & Kollegen, located in Offenburg, Germany. With a comprehensive legal background, she specializes in labor law, inheritance law, tenancy and condominium law, traffic law, and civil law. Her extensive experience and dedication to...

English
Rechtsanwälte Wegmann & Wegmann, nestled in the heart of Nettetal, distinguishes itself as a beacon of expertise in a variety of legal domains. The firm excels in providing comprehensive legal services across several specializations, including civil law, estate planning, family law, and labor...

Founded in 1975
English
Meinecke & Meinecke Rechtsanwälte is a well-established law firm in Germany, known for its comprehensive legal expertise across a range of practice areas. The firm offers specialized services in estate planning, general practice, medical law, and personal injury cases. With years of experience,...
Mayer & Mayer Rechtsanwälte
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Founded in 2001
English
Mayer & Mayer Rechtsanwälte, established in 2001, is a specialized law firm located in Freiburg, Germany, focusing on bank and capital market law, insurance law, family law, and inheritance law. The firm's dedication to these practice areas ensures a high level of expertise and quality in their...
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About Estate Planning Law in Germany

Estate planning in Germany involves the preparation of documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. It also involves minimizing estate taxes and avoiding probate court proceedings.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for estate planning in Germany if you have complex family dynamics, valuable assets, business interests, or investments in multiple countries. A lawyer can help ensure that your wishes are legally binding and properly executed.

Local Laws Overview

In Germany, inheritance laws are governed by the Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch), which outlines rules for intestate succession, wills, and gifts. Notable aspects include forced heirship rights for close relatives and strict formal requirements for wills.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed upon your death. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of beneficiaries during your lifetime and/or after your death.

2. Can I disinherit a family member in Germany?

In Germany, close relatives such as children and spouses have forced heirship rights, meaning they are entitled to a portion of your estate. However, you can exclude them from your will to some extent, depending on individual circumstances.

3. Do I need to update my will periodically?

It is advisable to review and update your will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or acquisition of significant assets. This ensures that your wishes remain up to date.

4. How can I minimize estate taxes in Germany?

Estate taxes in Germany can be minimized through proper estate planning strategies such as lifetime gifts, charitable donations, and utilizing tax exemptions for spouses and children. Consulting a tax advisor or lawyer can help you navigate these complexities.

5. What happens if I die without a will in Germany?

If you die without a will (intestate), German law dictates how your estate will be distributed, typically following a fixed order of succession among close relatives. This may not align with your wishes, so having a will is crucial.

6. Can I appoint a guardian for my minor children in my will?

Yes, you can appoint a guardian for your minor children in your will to ensure they are cared for by someone you trust in the event of your death. It is important to discuss this with the potential guardian beforehand.

7. What is a durable power of attorney, and why is it important for estate planning?

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It is important for estate planning to ensure your affairs are managed according to your wishes.

8. How can I protect my business interests through estate planning?

You can protect your business interests through estate planning by establishing a succession plan, creating a buy-sell agreement, and considering the implications of estate taxes on your business assets. Consulting a lawyer with experience in business succession is recommended.

9. What are advance healthcare directives, and why are they important for estate planning?

Advance healthcare directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical care if you become unable to communicate. They are important for estate planning to ensure your healthcare preferences are known and respected by family and medical professionals.

10. How can I ensure my digital assets are included in my estate plan?

You can include your digital assets in your estate plan by creating a list of accounts, passwords, and instructions for their management or transfer after your death. It is important to update this information regularly and store it securely.

Additional Resources

For more information on estate planning in Germany, you can contact the Bundesnotarkammer (Federal Chamber of Notaries), the German Bar Association (Deutscher Anwaltsverein), or consult a local notary or lawyer specializing in estate planning.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with estate planning in Germany, consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified lawyer to discuss your specific needs and goals. They can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes and complies with German laws.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Germany through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Estate Planning, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Germany - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.