Avoiding problems with inheritances

Inheritance Lawyer in Vienna: Advice and Representation

Timely planning of the succession to one’s assets creates legal certainty across generations. ARNOLD Rechtsanwälte advises business families, founders of private foundations and private individuals on the drafting of wills, the transfer of businesses and real estate and the establishment of private foundations. We represent heirs and persons entitled to a compulsory portion in probate proceedings and before the civil courts.

The articles on testament.wien are written and kept up to date by Dr. Nikolaus Arnold, attorney-at-law (Rechtsanwalt) in Vienna. More about the firm and Dr. Nikolaus Arnold

Avoiding inheritance disputes: Provision through clear regulations

The passing of a loved one is an enormous burden for the surviving family members. All too often, the personal loss is exacerbated by costly inheritance disputes and internal family rifts, which could have been prevented in most cases through timely planning.

Through clear testamentary dispositions or targeted inter vivos dispositions – such as the timely transfer of a business or real estate – you create lasting clarity for all parties involved. Those who rely on the heirs to sort everything out among themselves often place a heavy burden on the next generation. A formally valid will secures your final wishes and gives you the certainty during your lifetime that you have set the right course.

Austrian Inheritance Law at a glance

This website provides a well-founded initial orientation regarding the most important questions of Austrian inheritance law. The following topics are covered in detail:

• Drafting a Will: How do I draft a will that is formally valid and legally secure?
• Statutory Succession: Who inherits if there is no testamentary disposition? Basics of the parentelic system according to the ABGB.
• Non-Married Partners: What inheritance rights do non-married partners have?
• Nursing Legacy: What is the statutory care legacy and who is entitled to it?
• Compulsory Portion Law: Who has a claim to a compulsory portion and how is it calculated? Use our new Compulsory Portion Calculator.
• Probate Proceedings: How do the declaration of acceptance of inheritance and probate proceedings work?
• Renunciation of Inheritance: When and how is a waiver of inheritance useful, and what are the effects of unworthiness to inherit?
• Tenancy Law and Inheritance: What applies to tenancy rights and ownership partnerships in the event of death?
• Corporate Law and Foundations: Special considerations for company shares and private foundations in inheritance law.
• International Inheritance Law: Which law is applicable in cross-border inheritance cases, and is there an inheritance tax in Austria?

Legal Notice: The use of this website is subject to our Terms of Use. The content serves as general information and does not replace individual legal advice. For questions regarding inheritance law, it is strongly recommended to consult a lawyer or a notary.