Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Germany

My Brother (92) died. He lived in Germany. His wife (92) inherited everything according

to a 32 year will. My brother

saved a lot of money behind her back.

He told me 2 years ago when I visited him for his ninetieth Birthday that he wanted me to have that money.

When she found out she was livid.

She turned around and made a will in which she named a neighbor lady who had been helpful to them in the last two years as her only heir.

I'm the only relative.

Can she do that legally?

I'm being told by the neighbor who is now taking care of all the

paperwork that my Brother didn't mention me anywhere.


Asked on 6/23/17, 9:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sebastian Poetter POETTER - Rechtsanwaelte Notar

Dear Madam, dear Sir:

Unfortunately, it is well possible that you will not become a heir, even if your brother's widow will pass away. If your brother did not mention you in his will his widow is free to give everything to whomever she wants.

But since you mention a will: Very often, couples have a mutual will: The one who survives who dies first inherits everything, and if the longer living of them dies as well, all assets go to a person determined in the will. It may be that you are mentioned in the will in such fashion - that you may become a heir after your brother's widow.

In order to find out, you should contact the competent court of probate in Germany. I could do this for you, Please contact me in my firm by email to poetter(at)kanzlei-poetter.de

Kind regards,

Sebastian Pötter

Rechtsanwalt

Read more
Answered on 6/25/17, 12:38 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Germany