Inheritance Law · Luxembourg
Expert inheritance lawyers in Luxembourg at your side
Settling an estate in the Grand Duchy involves specific rules on forced heirship, cross-border successions and notarial formalities. We match you with an independent Luxembourg avocat who handles wills, probate and inheritance disputes, so you can move forward with clarity.
- Matched with a Barreau-registered Luxembourg lawyer
- Guidance on forced heirship and EU Regulation 650/2012
- Free, no-obligation introduction within 24–48h
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Why choose a specialist
Why work with an inheritance lawyer in Luxembourg?
Dealing with an estate in Luxembourg brings together rules that are not always intuitive: the Civil Code reserves a legal share for children, EU Regulation 650/2012 may decide which law applies, and real estate transfers require a notarial deed. Whether you are an heir, a surviving spouse or an executor, inheritance lawyers in Luxembourg can guide you through the declaration deadlines, the option of the surviving spouse and any disputes. On this page you will not find legal advice, but you can be matched free of charge with an independent Luxembourg avocat who handles successions. Tell us briefly what you are facing and we will connect you with a suitable lawyer, normally within 24 to 48 hours.
Luxembourg legal landscape
How inheritance law works in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s succession rules blend the Napoleonic Civil Code, EU Regulation 650/2012 and specific notarial requirements. Below is an overview of the key points a lawyer will typically explain when advising on an estate in the Grand Duchy.
Civil-law heritage and court structure
Luxembourg’s Civil Code descends directly from the French Napoleonic Code of 1804 and remains in force as amended. The ordinary judiciary is organised into two judicial districts (Luxembourg and Diekirch) with justices of the peace, district courts and the Supreme Court of Justice, which includes the Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation.
Two independent Bars and mandatory representation
Only lawyers registered on the roll of the Barreau de Luxembourg or the Barreau de Diekirch may practise law. Before the district courts in civil matters, the Court of Appeal, the Court of Cassation, the Constitutional Court and the administrative courts, representation by an avocat à la Cour (List I) is in principle mandatory, while justices of the peace follow an oral procedure where parties may appear in person.
Forced heirship under the Civil Code
Testamentary freedom is limited by the réserve héréditaire. If the deceased leaves one child, only half of the estate may be freely disposed of; with two children, one third; with three or more, one quarter. The surviving spouse is not a forced heir but holds a statutory option, and gifts exceeding the disposable portion can be reduced.
Cross-border successions and EU Regulation 650/2012
For deaths on or after 17 August 2015, EU Regulation 650/2012 generally applies the law of the deceased’s habitual residence. A testator may elect the law of his or her nationality. Because opinions differ on whether the reserve is a matter of public policy, the interaction between an elected law and Luxembourg forced heirship is a key planning point.
Notarial deed and declaration deadlines
Transfers of immovable property require an authentic notarial deed to be opposable to third parties and transcribed in the mortgage register. The inheritance declaration for tax purposes must be filed within six months of the death, and the surviving spouse has three months and forty days to exercise the succession option.
Fees and legal aid
Luxembourg has no court fees payable to the State for bringing proceedings. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed with the client and not bound by an official tariff. Legal aid may cover lawyer’s, notary, bailiff and translator’s fees in whole or in part for persons of insufficient means.
Key time limits — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inheritance / succession declaration filing | 6 months from death | The inheritance declaration must be filed within six months of the death. |
| Surviving spouse’s succession option | 3 months and 40 days from the opening of the succession | The surviving spouse has three months and forty days to exercise the succession option. |
The information on this page is drawn from official Luxembourg and European sources (e-Justice, Guichet.lu, Legilux, Ministry of Justice, Justice.lu), accessed in April 2025.
Common challenges
What can make an inheritance matter difficult in Luxembourg?
These are the moments when having the right lawyer matters most.
Forced heirship disputes
The reserved share for children can surprise heirs unfamiliar with Luxembourg’s Civil Code. Gifts beyond the disposable portion may be challenged, delaying distribution and creating conflict among family members.
Cross-border successions
If the deceased lived or owned property in another country, EU Regulation 650/2012 determines the applicable law. Choosing the wrong approach can lead to unintended tax or forced-heirship consequences.
Notarial and declaration formalities
Real estate transfers require an authentic notarial deed, and the inheritance declaration must be filed within six months. Missing a step or deadline can complicate the estate and expose heirs to penalties.
Why use the matching service
How a Luxembourg inheritance lawyer helps you move forward
An independent specialist can clarify the rules and manage the practical steps.
Clear guidance on forced heirship
A Luxembourg avocat explains how the reserved share applies to your estate and whether gifts or will provisions may be reduced, so you understand the limits of testamentary freedom.
Cross-border estate planning
For international families, the lawyer advises on EU Regulation 650/2012, habitual residence, and the effect of choosing national law, helping you avoid avoidable conflicts between legal systems.
Support with notarial formalities
Your lawyer coordinates with the notary for the authentic deed needed to transfer immovable property, ensuring the succession declaration and mortgage transcription are handled correctly.
Representation in court and negotiation
If a dispute arises, the lawyer can represent you before the district courts or appeal courts where an avocat à la Cour is mandatory, and negotiate before or during proceedings.
Serving cross-border clients
We also match clients in these European countries
Inheritance matters frequently cross borders. Below are some of the jurisdictions we cover alongside Luxembourg.
Frequently asked questions
Inheritance lawyers in Luxembourg – FAQs
How do inheritance lawyers in Luxembourg help with succession matters?
Inheritance lawyers in Luxembourg advise on wills, forced heirship, the inheritance declaration, and the notarial transfer of real property. They also represent heirs and executors before the district courts and appeal courts where an avocat à la Cour is mandatory, and negotiate settlements to avoid or resolve disputes.
Do I need a Luxembourg lawyer for an inheritance matter?
For most inheritance disputes before the district courts and appeals, representation by a Luxembourg avocat à la Cour is mandatory. Before the justice of the peace, where procedure is oral, you may appear in person or be represented by a lawyer, spouse or relative, but legal consultations may only be given by a registered lawyer.
What is forced heirship in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s Civil Code reserves a legal share for the deceased’s descendants: one half of the estate if one child, one third if two, and one quarter if three or more. The surviving spouse is not a forced heir but has a statutory option. Gifts exceeding the disposable portion may be reduced.
Which law applies to a cross-border succession in Luxembourg?
For deaths on or after 17 August 2015, EU Regulation 650/2012 applies the law of the deceased’s habitual residence unless the testator elected the law of his or her nationality. The interaction between that elected law and Luxembourg forced heirship is a key point to review.
Are there court fees for inheritance disputes in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg has no court fees payable to the State for bringing proceedings. The main costs are lawyers’ fees, which are freely agreed with the client, and fees of notaries, bailiffs and experts. Legal aid may cover these costs in whole or in part for persons of insufficient means.
When must the inheritance declaration be filed?
The inheritance declaration for tax purposes must be filed within six months of the death. In addition, the surviving spouse has a period of three months and forty days from the opening of the succession to exercise the succession option.
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Tell us briefly about your situation and we will match you with an independent Luxembourg avocat who handles successions, cross-border estates and inheritance disputes. Free of charge, no obligation.