AboutCarolin Schulz-Burgess Expertise German legal issues on inheritance, divorce, alimony, child custody and support, last wills and testaments, and other problems involving international family and civil law.
Experience I am a certified German laywer with professional experience in both German and American law firms. Since 2001 I have been working independently at my firm, German Legal Services. I have represented hundreds of clients on matters involving US-German legal issues. One of my firm's areas of specialization is in divorce and child support and custody issues between members of the U.S. Armed Forces and German civilians.
Organizations World Affairs Council, German Bar Association
Publications North Carolina Bar Association Newsletter
Question 1. I have been told that according to German law a Will must be HAND-WRITTEN by the individual and then signed an witnessed and that a word-processed will, signed and witnessed is not valid or legal. Is this so?
2. Once a person has died, can anyone ask to see the will (in case they may be a beneficiary) as in the UK, or is the will a confidential document even after probate has been granted?
Thank you.
Answer Dear Dr Walshaw: Thanks for the question. Yes, according to German law a will must exist in hand-written form, in addition to being hand-signed and dated. If the will is not held by a notary, then permission to see the will must be requested (and granted) through the courts. Otherwise the courts will inform those parties not present at the reading of the will of the will's contents. I hope this helps. If you need further help, you can contact me directly at csb@germanlegalservices.com
Sincerely,
Carolin Schulz-Burgess
