Formalities for a handwritten testament in Germany – part 2: date and place

Formalities for a handwritten testament in Germany - part 2: date and place

Does a handwritten testament have to contain place and date in German law of succession?

A handwritten will should give mention to place and date of its signature. 

But this is not mandatory. It is expedient though, because the testator might later revoke his earlier will – which he can anytime, provided he/she is the only author of the testament – and then after his/her death it might be difficult to tell which is the later and thus the valid one.

Since it is easy to save the trouble of proof to the heirs, it is therefore highly advisable to put date and place on the will, though the law does not make it a strict formal requirement. 

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us here.

Dr. Donat Ebert

Ügyvéd - Rechtsanwalt (HU, D)

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