Inheritance Lawyer and Estate Planning Attorney in Germany
Consulting areas
Do you require legal advice or representation in matters of German inheritance law? As experienced inheritance lawyers and estate planning attorneys in Frankfurt, we advise and represent clients throughout Germany in matters including:
Drafting wills, including special-needs wills under German law
Enforcing compulsory share claims
Inheritance and gift tax planning, particularly for real estate
Resolving inheritance and estate disputes
Private wealth and business succession planning
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
As a specialised boutique law firm with offices in Frankfurt am Main and Berlin, we focus on inheritance law and tax law. This combination enables us to provide comprehensive legal and tax advice on estate planning, inheritance matters and the transfer of private or business assets.
Our team includes German-certified specialist lawyers for inheritance law and tax law who take the time to understand your individual circumstances and objectives. We advise and represent clients throughout Germany and develop tailored strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.
Appointments for an initial consultation can generally be arranged at short notice and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Consultations may take place in person, by telephone or via a video call. During this initial meeting, you can explain your situation and, where possible, receive a preliminary, non-binding assessment of your case and its prospects.
How Our Inheritance Lawyers Can Help You
Our specialist lawyers for inheritance law and tax law advise and represent clients in a wide range of estate planning and inheritance matters.
Drafting Wills and Estate Planning
Would you like to decide how your estate should be distributed after your death? A carefully drafted will allows you to determine who should inherit your assets and under what conditions. It can also help prevent uncertainty and disputes among your heirs.
As your estate planning attorney, we advise you on the most appropriate structure for your will and ensure that your intentions are expressed clearly, precisely and in a legally effective manner under German law.
We also assist with:
Special-needs wills under German law, known as Behindertentestamente
Provisions for digital assets and online accounts
Wills for business owners and entrepreneurs
Coordinating wills with private wealth and business succession plans
Enforcing Compulsory Share Claims
Have you been disinherited or received less than you expected? Certain close family members may still be entitled to a compulsory share of the estate under German inheritance law, even if they have been excluded from the will.
We assess whether you are entitled to a compulsory share, determine the potential value of your claim and enforce your rights against the heirs. Depending on the circumstances, we represent you in out-of-court negotiations as well as court proceedings.
Do not risk losing your rights by waiting too long. Compulsory share claims are subject to statutory limitation periods.
Inheritance and Gift Tax Planning
Careful estate planning can significantly reduce the inheritance or gift tax burden associated with transferring assets to the next generation.
In many cases, the greatest scope for tax-efficient planning exists during the owner’s lifetime. Lifetime gifts, the strategic use of tax allowances and an appropriate legal structure may provide considerable advantages. However, heirs may also have options for improving the tax treatment of an inheritance after the estate has passed to them.
Mistakes are particularly common when transferring real estate, business interests and other high-value assets. These mistakes can result in an unnecessarily high inheritance or gift tax burden.
Our inheritance lawyers and tax law specialists advise both individuals planning their estates and beneficiaries who have already inherited assets. We develop legally compliant strategies designed to minimise inheritance and gift tax while taking account of complex family structures, communities of heirs and the long-term interests of everyone involved.
Resolving Inheritance and Estate Disputes
Disputes between heirs, beneficiaries and other family members can place an enormous emotional and financial burden on everyone involved.
Our inheritance lawyers represent your interests in disputes concerning wills, compulsory shares, the administration or division of an estate and the rights and obligations of co-heirs. We carefully establish the legal position, communicate with the other parties and enforce your claims where necessary.
Where possible, we seek to de-escalate disputes and achieve an efficient out-of-court solution. Where litigation cannot be avoided, we represent your interests consistently before the competent courts.
Private Wealth and Business Succession Planning
Successful business owners and individuals with substantial private assets need a carefully coordinated succession strategy. A well-designed plan can preserve assets, protect the continued operation of a business and prevent conflicts between family members or future shareholders.
As experienced estate planning attorneys, we support you throughout the entire succession process. We advise owner-managed businesses and medium-sized family companies on the transfer of ownership and management responsibilities to the next generation or to external successors.
Our advice also covers any preparatory measures that may be required before the transfer, including corporate restructurings and the coordination of business succession with your will, inheritance tax planning and private asset arrangements.
Your Inheritance Lawyer in Frankfurt and Throughout Germany
Our experienced team of specialist lawyers for inheritance law and tax law in Frankfurt am Main and Berlin provides comprehensive advice on the legal and tax aspects of inheritance, estate planning and succession.
Whether you need an inheritance lawyer to enforce your rights, an estate planning attorney to structure your will and assets, or coordinated legal and tax advice for the transfer of real estate or a business, we are available to assist you throughout Germany.
