Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Beersel, Belgium Attorneys in related practice areas.
Private client law covers the legal needs of individuals and families rather than companies. In Beersel, as in the rest of Belgium, private client work commonly includes estate planning and succession, wills and inheritance, matrimonial property regimes, family law, powers of attorney and guardianship, real estate matters for private homeowners, and personal tax and asset planning. Because Beersel is in the Flemish Region, day to day practice often involves Dutch language documents and proceedings, while many matters are governed by national civil law and by EU rules when cross-border issues arise.
People seek private client lawyers for many reasons. You may need help to write a clear and legally valid will that respects Belgian rules on reserved heirs and avoids future disputes. If you buy or sell a house you will usually work with a notary and may need a lawyer for complex title issues, co-ownership disputes or tax planning. Family events such as marriage, separation or divorce make it important to review or agree a matrimonial property regime by marriage contract. Elderly clients and families often need assistance with powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives and guardianship proceedings. Cross-border estates, tax questions, contested inheritances or disagreements between heirs are other common reasons to consult a lawyer.
A lawyer can also advise about practical steps to protect assets, prepare for long term care costs, interact with banks and tax authorities, represent you in court, or negotiate mediated solutions that avoid costly litigation.
Belgian private client matters are mainly governed by the Belgian Civil Code and related statutes. Key features to understand in the local context include the following.
Reserved portion for heirs - Belgian law provides protection for close family members, commonly called a reserved portion. This limits how freely you can dispose of your assets by will. Children and, in many situations, the surviving spouse have legal protection that must be respected.
Notarial system - Many important acts affecting private clients, notably transfers of real estate, mortgages and certain wills or donations, are drawn up and registered by a notary. Notarial deeds have evidentiary strength and are required for many transactions.
Matrimonial property regimes - You can choose a marriage contract before a notary to determine how assets are owned and divided. If you do not choose, default legal rules will apply and those rules have important consequences on ownership, management and division of assets on death or separation.
Succession and EU law - For estates with cross-border elements you should consider the EU Succession Regulation, which allows certain choices of applicable law and helps coordinate probate across EU member states. Belgian courts and notaries will take EU rules into account where relevant.
Taxes and registration - Taxes on property transfers and inheritance tax rules are set at regional and federal levels and can differ between regions. Fees and taxes are an important part of planning, so local rules in Flanders and municipal practices in Beersel should be considered.
Language and procedure - Courts and municipal offices in Beersel operate in Dutch. If you are not comfortable in Dutch you should arrange for translation or work with a lawyer who can operate in the language you prefer.
If you die intestate, Belgian succession law determines who inherits. Close family members such as children and the surviving spouse will inherit according to statutory rules. Because of the reserved portion rules you cannot disinherit certain heirs completely. Dying without a will can also make administration slower and increase the risk of disputes among heirs.
Yes. You can make a written holographic will, a secret will or a notarial will. A notarial will prepared by a notary offers high legal certainty and is kept on record. A lawyer or notary can explain the form that best matches your objectives and ensure the will complies with reserved portion rules.
Property transfers are handled by a notary but you may want a lawyer if there are title defects, complex financing, co-ownership arrangements, cross-border issues or disputes. A lawyer can review contracts, advise on tax consequences and assist if a problem arises after the purchase.
Your matrimonial property regime determines which assets are jointly owned and which are personal. It affects what passes to a surviving spouse on death and what can be claimed by creditors. You can change your regime by a marriage contract made before a notary, typically with tax and timing considerations.
Yes. Foreign residents can inherit Belgian property, but cross-border complications may arise. EU succession rules may allow you to choose the law of your nationality or habitual residence for your estate, so it is important to plan early and get advice to avoid unintended tax or probate complications.
Heirs can negotiate a settlement, use mediation to reach agreement, or start court proceedings. Early legal advice can help to evaluate each option, propose fair divisions that respect the reserved portion rules, and reduce the cost and time of disputes.
There is no fixed timetable. The length depends on the estate complexity, whether there are contested assets, the need for valuation, tax procedures and registration formalities. Simple estates managed through a notary can be settled more quickly, while contested estates can take much longer.
Notaries prepare and authenticate certain legal acts like property transfers and notarised wills. They are public officers and their deeds carry special legal force. Lawyers represent and advise private clients, negotiate, draft complex agreements and represent clients in court. For many private client matters you will work with both professions.
Costs vary by complexity and the professional you engage. Notaries charge regulated fees for notarial acts, while lawyers commonly charge hourly rates or fixed fees for specific services. If you have limited means you may qualify for legal aid. Always ask for a clear fee estimate before work begins.
Bring identity documents, recent bank and investment statements, property deeds, mortgage contracts, any existing wills or marriage contracts, and basic family information such as marriage and birth certificates. The more information you provide, the better a lawyer can assess your situation and recommend next steps.
Municipal civil registry in Beersel - for birth, marriage and death certificates and local administrative assistance.
Notary chamber and local notaries - for authentic deeds, property transfers and notarial wills.
Local bar association - for finding a qualified lawyer who practices in Dutch or the language you require.
Federal Public Service Finance - for tax guidance and information on registration duties and inheritance taxes.
Federal Public Service Justice and EU e-Justice resources - for information about courts, EU succession rules and cross-border matters.
Legal aid bureau - for information about eligibility for state-supported legal assistance if you have limited financial means.
1. Identify the immediate issue you need help with and gather relevant documents such as ID, property deeds, bank statements, existing wills, marriage certificates and loan agreements.
2. Decide whether you need a notary, a lawyer or both. For a will or a marriage contract you will often use a notary. For disputes, negotiation, court representation or complex cross-border planning you will normally hire a lawyer.
3. Contact a local lawyer or notary in Beersel or the surrounding area. Ask about experience in private client matters, languages spoken, fee structure and an initial consultation.
4. For cost-sensitive matters check eligibility for legal aid and request a written fee estimate before engaging the lawyer.
5. Consider early steps that can reduce future problems - for example making a clear will, agreeing a marriage contract, creating durable powers of attorney, and discussing inheritance plans with family to reduce later disputes.
6. If you face an urgent issue such as creditor threats, an imminent property sale or court deadlines, seek immediate legal advice to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Taking these steps will help you make informed choices and get the right professional support for private client matters in Beersel.
