Estate planning and inheritance laws guide asset succession

Legal and financial experts highlight the importance of proactive estate planning to prevent family disputes and ensure assets are distributed according to personal wishes.

In Germany, the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) dictates statutory succession if no will exists. Key regulations include a six-week deadline to renounce an inheritance under § 1944 BGB and the right to a compulsory portion for close relatives under § 2303 BGB. For a handwritten will to be valid, it must be entirely written by hand and include the testator's name, location, and date.

In Switzerland, discussions regarding the early transfer of real estate to children focus on avoiding future conflicts and managing tax implications. Experts recommend family discussions to determine interest and the feasibility of property transfers, such as selling at market value or gifting, to ensure equitable treatment among heirs and protect parents' long-term care needs.