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Emergency

Depositing a will with the local court

A handwritten will can be lost at home, overlooked, or suppressed. Official safekeeping with the local court protects against this and ensures that the will is actually opened when the inheritance occurs.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A will can be placed in special official safekeeping at the local court (§ 2248 BGB for handwritten wills). The safekeeping is noted in the Central Register of Wills, so that the court is informed when the inheritance occurs.
Official safekeeping prevents loss, forgery, or suppression. In the event of death, the will is reliably found and opened. You can demand it back at any time.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Draw up the will

    Draft a valid handwritten or notarial will.

  2. 2

    2. Apply for safekeeping

    Place the will in official safekeeping at the local court.

  3. 3

    3. Registration

    The safekeeping is entered in the Central Register of Wills.

  4. 4

    4. Change if needed

    You can take back the will and deposit a new one.

How to spot the scam

  • An important will is kept unprotected at home.
  • No one knows where the will is.
  • Taking a will back out of safekeeping is confused with a revocation.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I have my will officially safekept?

Official safekeeping with the local court protects against loss, forgery, and suppression. Through the Central Register of Wills, it is ensured that the court learns of the will when the inheritance occurs and opens it (§ 2248 BGB).

Can I take the will back out?

Yes. You can take back your handwritten will from official safekeeping at any time. Note: for a handwritten will, taking it back out of safekeeping does not automatically count as a revocation; this is different for notarial wills.

What does safekeeping cost?

For official safekeeping and registration, one-off fees apply, which can depend on the value of the assets. You can find out the exact amount at the local court. In relation to the protection against loss, the effort is usually manageable.

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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.