Can a retirement home be a valid beneficiary of a last will in German law of succession?
There has been a lot of misuse by holders of a retirement home in becoming beneficiaries of the last wills of their residents.
The German law-maker therefore governs that such will is considered invalid by law („HeimG“).
But this is only the most obvious form of misuse and often the easiest to help. Also similar constellations occur where carers in charge of the elderly might get into the position of a beneficiary of a testament. Maybe out of disappointment about the lack of care of family members? There might be a whole variety of reasons why elderly people appoint persons in their last will who are not family members and who had not been close to them until they got into the position of needing help – by people so far foreign to them.
Here it has to be checked properly whether the last will is legally legitimate. Or maybe the testator had been under undue influence – excluding their free will.
If you are in such a situation, you should consult a competent lawyer.
If you have any questions concerning German law of succession, do not hesitate to contact us here.
