Inheritance, Probate & Wills · Luxembourg
Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s private client landscape combines forced heirship, EU succession rules and a bilingual court system. We match you with a lawyer who handles estate planning, probate and wills administration—so you can act with clarity.
- Free matching with vetted lawyers in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Diekirch
- Guidance on Luxembourg’s forced heirship and EU Regulation 650/2012
- No court fees to bring proceedings; lawyers’ fees agreed transparently
No obligation · 24–48h average response
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Inheritance, Probate & Wills in Luxembourg at a glance
Luxembourg’s succession regime combines forced heirship, EU Regulation 650/2012 and a bilingual court procedure. If you are planning an estate, administering a probate or contesting a will, working with Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Luxembourg helps you understand which law applies and which deadlines bind you. Luxembourg reserves a legal share for descendants, and the six-month succession declaration is just one of several formalities. The country also has two Bars—Barreau de Luxembourg and Barreau de Diekirch—and representation rules differ between the justice of the peace and the district courts. We match you with a lawyer who handles these matters, so you can proceed with confidence.
How inheritance law works in Luxembourg
Local legal framework
Luxembourg’s inheritance rules are rooted in the Civil Code, with a strong tradition of forced heirship and a cross-border dimension shaped by EU Regulation 650/2012. The country’s two Bars and notarial requirements add formal layers that a specialist can manage.
Forced heirship (réserve héréditaire)
Under Article 913 of the Civil Code, testamentary gifts may not exceed half the estate if you leave one child, one third if two children, and one quarter if three or more. Dispositions exceeding the disposable portion may be reduced on demand of the reserved heirs; the surviving spouse is not a forced heir.
Cross-border successions under EU Regulation 650/2012
For successions opened after 17 August 2015, the applicable law is in principle that of the deceased’s habitual residence. A testator may elect the law of their nationality, a common planning tool in Luxembourg’s cross-border community.
Two Bars and court representation
Luxembourg has two independent Bars—Barreau de Luxembourg and Barreau de Diekirch. Before district courts in civil matters and appeal courts, representation by a list-I avocat à la Cour is generally mandatory; other courts allow more flexible representation.
Succession declaration deadline
The succession declaration must be filed with the tax authorities within six months of death. A lawyer can prepare this declaration and coordinate with notaries where real property is involved, helping you meet the formalities on time.
Notarial deed for real estate
The transfer of real property must be recorded in an authentic notarial deed to be opposable to third parties and transcribed in the mortgage register. Only a notary may draw up such acts, so estate planning often involves both lawyer and notary.
Key time limits — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inheritance / succession declaration filing | 6 months from death | The succession declaration must be filed with the tax authorities within six months of the death. |
| Surviving spouse’s succession option | 3 months and 40 days from opening of succession | The surviving spouse has three months and forty days to exercise the succession option. |
Data compiled from official Luxembourg government, e-Justice and Guichet.lu sources as of April 2025.
Common challenges
Why inheritance matters in Luxembourg can feel difficult
Three recurring problems our users face—and how a matched lawyer can help resolve them.
Forced heirship limits your choices
Luxembourg law reserves a legal share for descendants: you can only freely dispose of part of the estate. Misunderstanding the réserve can make a will partially unenforceable and lead to disputes.
Cross-border estates create conflicts
EU Regulation 650/2012 may apply the law of your habitual residence, but a nationality election can change everything. Without careful advice, heirs may face conflicting rules and delays.
Strict deadlines and French procedure
A succession declaration is due within six months, and the surviving spouse’s option expires quickly. Court documents must be drafted in French, which adds pressure if you are not fluent.
What you get
Why match with us
We connect you with a Luxembourg lawyer who focuses on inheritance, probate and wills.
Access to list-I avocats à la Cour
We match you with Luxembourg Bar or Diekirch Bar lawyers who can represent you before district and appeal courts, ensuring the correct procedural steps.
Clear guidance on EU Regulation 650/2012
Your lawyer explains which law applies and whether electing the law of your nationality improves your estate plan and avoids conflicts.
Fixed oversight of deadlines
With a six-month declaration deadline and a three-month-and-forty-day option for the surviving spouse, your lawyer keeps you compliant with Luxembourg formalities.
Transparent fee discussions
Luxembourg has no state court fees; your lawyer agrees fees with you, and legal aid may be available if you qualify, making costs predictable.
Coverage
Other European jurisdictions we cover
If your estate also touches another country, we can help you find the right specialised lawyer there too.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What do Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Luxembourg do?
They advise on wills, estate planning, succession declarations and probate administration under Luxembourg law. They also help with forced heirship, EU Regulation 650/2012 and representation before the courts. Matching with a specialised lawyer gives you local knowledge and procedural support.
Does Luxembourg forced heirship restrict what I can leave in a will?
Yes. If Luxembourg law governs, the law reserves a legal share for descendants: half if one child, one third if two, one quarter if three or more. Gifts exceeding the disposable portion may be reduced by reserved heirs.
Which law applies to my cross-border succession?
For deaths after 17 August 2015, EU Regulation 650/2012 generally applies the law of your habitual residence, but you may elect the law of your nationality. This election is a key issue for expatriates and cross-border families.
How long do I have to file a succession declaration in Luxembourg?
The succession declaration must be filed within six months of the death. Your lawyer can prepare and submit the necessary documents, avoiding late-filing problems and ensuring the correct tax treatment.
What is the surviving spouse’s succession option deadline?
The surviving spouse has three months and forty days from the opening of the succession to exercise the statutory option, which may include a child’s share or the usufruct of the family home.
Do I need an avocat à la Cour for inheritance proceedings?
Before district courts and appeal courts in civil matters, representation by a list-I avocat à la Cour is generally mandatory. Your matched lawyer will explain where representation is required and where you can appear in person.
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