Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Denmark

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Nørregaard Advokatfirma
Køge, Denmark

Founded in 2015
English
Nørregaard Advokatfirma, with offices in Køge and Næstved, offers comprehensive legal services across both business and private law sectors. The firm's expertise encompasses areas such as debt collection, bankruptcy and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, corporate transformations,...

Founded in 2013
22 people in their team
English
Advokatfirmaet Grotkjær Elmstrøm is a Denmark-based mid-sized law firm with offices in Aarhus and Copenhagen that focuses on advising private clients. The firm delivers specialist services in areas such as real estate, wills and estates, compensation law, family law and immigration, blending...
Moltke-Leth Advokater
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1939
50 people in their team
Danish
English
A brief history of Moltke-LethMoltke-Leth was established in 1939 by High Court barrister Børge Moltke-Leth, and is currently one of Denmark's oldest law firms.With the office's basic values and history as an excellent springboard, Moltke-Leth has developed today into a modern and dynamic law...
Præstø, Denmark

Founded in 2015
English
Advokatfirmaet Engelbrecht, established in 2016 by Attorney Charlotte Engelbrecht, has grown to become a prominent law firm in Denmark, specializing in estate planning. With offices in Præstø, Nykøbing Falster, Næstved, Køge, and Kolding, the firm offers comprehensive services including wills,...
Advodan Lolland Falster
Maribo, Denmark

23 people in their team
English
Advodan Lolland-Falster is a modern Danish law firm with offices in Maribo, Nakskov and Nykøbing Falster, and is part of the nationwide Advodan network. The firm combines strong local market insight with a cross-disciplinary approach to serve corporate and private clients across a wide range of...
Ravn & Olsen Advokater ApS
Hedensted, Denmark

Founded in 2018
7 people in their team
English
Ravn & Olsen Advokater ApS is a Danish law firm serving private clients from its office in Hedensted, with meeting facilities in Vejen. Established in 2018 and led by attorneys Bodil H. Ravn and Litten Posselt Olsen, the firm focuses on matters that affect everyday life, including personal injury...
Advokatvirksomhed v/Brit Elling
Copenhagen, Denmark

1 person in their team
English
Advokatvirksomhed v/Brit Elling is a Copenhagen-based sole proprietorship led by attorney Brit Elling and operating from Ny Oestergade. The practice is presented within the Aumento law firm environment, combining a boutique focus on family law with access to broader firm resources and...
Advodan Thisted
Thisted, Denmark

12 people in their team
English
Advodan Thisted is a locally anchored law office serving businesses, public authorities and private individuals in the Thisted region. The office combines deep local and regional knowledge with a structured team approach, ensuring that clients are matched with lawyers who have specific experience...
Baker Tilly Legal Advokatfirma
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Danish
English
We provide high-quality legal advice to Danish and international companies.We combine a high professional level, good business understanding and expert knowledge, which enables us to deliver result-oriented solutions that create value for our clients.Our valuesWe have the following core...
Németh & Sigetty
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1974
6 people in their team
English
Németh Sigetty is a Danish law firm established in 1974 by Karoly Németh and Ole Sigetty, focused on advising businesses and handling legal proceedings. The firm is recognized for its litigation strength and its ability to tackle complex cases in Danish courts at all levels, including the Supreme...
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About Will & Testament Law in Denmark

Will and Testament law in Denmark is governed by the Danish Inheritance Act, which provides clear guidelines on the distribution of a person’s estate after death. A will, known as “testamente” in Danish, allows individuals to specify how their assets should be allocated beyond the default plans set by the law. The regulations ensure that certain family members, such as spouses and children, receive a mandatory portion of the estate. However, having a will in place allows more flexibility and specificity in other allocations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal assistance may be necessary for various reasons when dealing with wills and testaments. Common scenarios include:

  • Complex Estates: High-value or multifaceted estates may require specialized knowledge to manage effectively.
  • Disputed Wills: If someone contests the validity of a will, legal intervention may be needed to resolve the matter.
  • Estate Planning: Lawyers can provide strategic advice to minimize taxes and ensure efficient distribution of assets.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensuring the will complies with Danish law and effectively outlines the testator’s wishes.
  • Updating Wills: Significant life changes may necessitate updates to a will, requiring legal consultation.

Local Laws Overview

The Danish Inheritance Act lays the groundwork for how estates are handled posthumously. Key aspects include:

  • Forced Heirship: Children and spouses are entitled to a portion of the estate, known as the forced heirship, which cannot be overridden by a will.
  • Formality Requirements: For a will to be valid, it must be compliant with specific formal requirements, notably being documented in writing and witnessed appropriately.
  • Inheritance Tax: Estates may be subject to inheritance tax, with rates and exemptions varying based on the relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate.
  • Trusts and Gifts: The Danish law also allows for certain structures, like trusts and lifetime gifts, to be employed in estate planning under specified conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a will in Denmark?

Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the Danish Inheritance Act, which prioritizes your spouse and children.

Can I disinherit my children in Denmark?

While you cannot completely disinherit your children due to forced heirship rules, you can limit their share to the statutory portion.

Are there language requirements for a Danish will?

While it is not legally required, drafting a will in Danish can help avoid misinterpretations and ensure it is easily understood by local authorities.

How can I update my will in Denmark?

To update your will, you must create a new document that clearly states the revocation of the previous one and meets all formal requirements.

What is the role of an executor in Denmark?

An executor ensures the deceased’s wishes, as expressed in the will, are carried out and handles administrative aspects of the estate distribution.

Can I include foreign assets in my Danish will?

Yes, you can include foreign assets; however, it's vital to consider the legal systems of the countries where the assets are located.

What are the fees for hiring a lawyer for a will in Denmark?

Costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the estate and the lawyer’s experience, often starting from a few thousand DKK.

Do I need witnesses for my will in Denmark?

Yes, the presence of witnesses is necessary to validate the signing of a will, ensuring it reflects the testator's intent.

How does marriage affect my will?

Marriage can alter inheritance rights, so reviewing and potentially updating your will upon marriage is beneficial.

Can joint wills be created in Denmark?

Danish law allows for joint wills, particularly common among spouses, to ensure harmony in estate planning.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider reaching out to the following resources:

  • The Danish Bar and Law Society: For finding qualified lawyers specializing in wills and estates.
  • Local probate courts: They can offer guidance regarding procedural requirements.
  • Public libraries and online legal platforms: These are great for accessing literature on Danish inheritance law.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance regarding a will or testament in Denmark, consider taking the following steps:

  1. Identify Your Needs: Understand the specific legal issues you face and the type of help you require.
  2. Research Qualified Lawyers: Use resources such as the Danish Bar and Law Society to find a lawyer experienced in wills and inheritance law.
  3. Schedule a Consultation: Discuss your situation with a lawyer to gain insights into your legal standing and options.
  4. Prepare Documentation: Gather relevant documents and information needed for the legal process.
  5. Follow Legal Guidance: Work closely with your lawyer to ensure all legal steps are carefully and correctly executed.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Denmark 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 Will & Testament, 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.

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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.