Is the will valid? The most common formal errors
A private will has strict formal requirements. Even text written on a computer or a missing signature can make it invalid, with major consequences for the heirs. Here are the most common pitfalls.
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What you should do now
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1. Check the form
Is the entire text handwritten? Is there a personal signature (ideally with first and last name)?
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2. Check for clarity
Are the provisions clear (who inherits what), or ambiguous/contradictory?
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3. Date/place
Date and place are not mandatory but help to determine the most recent will.
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4. Get advice if in doubt
For larger estates or unclear wordings, notarial advice is worthwhile; a notarial will avoids formal errors.
Frequently asked questions
Must a will be handwritten?
A private (holographic) will, yes: it must be written entirely by hand and signed personally (§ 2247 BGB). Text written on a computer and merely signed is invalid. Alternatively, a will can be drawn up before a notary, in which case the handwriting requirement does not apply.
What happens if the will is invalid?
Then it does not apply. It is replaced by an earlier valid will or, if there is none, by the statutory order of succession. That is precisely why clear wordings and compliance with the form are so important; when in doubt, notarial advice helps.
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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.