Inheritance law revision: Reduction of statutory portions

The inheritance law, which has been in place for over a hundred years, is no longer contemporary and will therefore be adjusted as of January 1, 2023. As a result, testators will have more freedom in deciding whom they wish to bequeath their money to.

Reduction of Compulsory Portions

An important change concerns the reduction of compulsory portions. Compulsory portions are shares of the inheritance to which children, spouses, registered partners, and parents are legally entitled to at a minimum. The compulsory portions for children will be significantly reduced. If a testator leaves only their children, the compulsory portion currently amounts to 75% and will, after the revision, only be 50%. The compulsory shares for parents will be completely eliminated.

Securing the Spouse

Thanks to the adjustment of the compulsory portions, the free quota is increased, and the testator can favor the spouse or civil partner as well as third parties more strongly in a will. In order for the surviving partner to maintain the previous standard of living, the children can be limited to the compulsory portion. After the revision of the law, the partner can receive a total of 75% of the estate. This value is currently at a maximum of 62.5%.