New on testament.wien
Compulsory Portion Calculator: Determine Your Entitlement Now
Who is entitled to a compulsory portion under Austrian law, and how much is it worth? Our new Compulsory Portion Calculator guides you step by step through the calculation under the ABGB: net estate, liabilities, gift add-backs, and the applicable statutory quota. The result provides a structured first assessment of your entitlement.
Inheritance Planning: Avoiding Family Disputes and Legal Stress
The loss of a loved one is a heavy burden for those left behind. All too often, this personal loss is compounded by costly inheritance disputes and lasting family discord — conflicts that can, in most cases, be prevented through timely planning.
By establishing clear testamentary dispositions or proactive inter vivos arrangements — such as the timely transfer of a business or real estate — you create lasting clarity for everyone involved. Relying on heirs to settle everything among themselves often places an unnecessary and avoidable burden on the next generation. A formally valid will ensures that your final wishes are respected and gives you peace of mind that your affairs are in order.
Overview of Austrian Inheritance Law
This website provides a comprehensive and practically oriented guide to the key questions of Austrian inheritance law. The following topics are covered in detail:
- Drawing up a will: How do I correctly and formally create a will that is legally valid in Austria?
- Intestate succession: Who inherits if no testamentary disposition exists? An explanation of the parentel system under the ABGB.
- Domestic partners: What inheritance rights do unmarried partners have under Austrian law?
- Care legacy: What is the care legacy (Pflegevermächtnis) and who is entitled to it?
- Compulsory portion: Who has a claim to the compulsory portion (forced heirship) and how is it calculated? Use our new Compulsory Portion Calculator.
- Succession proceedings: How do the declaration of succession and inheritance proceedings work in practice?
- Waiver of inheritance: When and how is a waiver of inheritance advisable, and what constitutes unworthiness to inherit?
- Tenancy and ownership: What rules apply to tenancy rights and co-ownership in the event of death?
- Corporate law and foundations: Special rules for company interests and private foundations in the context of succession.
- International succession: Which law is applicable in cross-border estates, and is there an inheritance tax in Austria?
Expertise in Private Client and Asset Succession
Timely planning creates security across generations. The lawyers at ARNOLD Rechtsanwälte GmbH bring many years of experience in structuring family assets, managing complex international estates, and facilitating the successful transfer of businesses and real estate to the next generation.
Our Private Client practice has been consistently recognised at the top of all major legal directories, reflecting our commitment to discretion, precision, and legal excellence.
Legal Disclaimer: Use of this website is subject to our terms of use. The content provided is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In matters of inheritance law, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified lawyer or notary.
Outstanding Expertise and International Recognition
In complex inheritance matters and strategic succession planning, experience alone is not enough — proven excellence matters. Dr. Nikolaus Arnold and his team have been consistently ranked at the top of the Austrian private wealth market for many years.
Rank 1: Private Clients
Recognised as the leading firm for private clients and foundation work in Austria’s foremost domestic legal ranking.
Band 1: Private Wealth Law
The highest international rating for Private Wealth Law in Austria — awarded without interruption for many consecutive years.
Leading Commentaries
Editor of the PSG Commentary and co-author of the GrEStG Commentary (LexisNexis) — legal advice drawn directly from the source of the law.