Inheritance · Guernsey
Inheritance Lawyers in Guernsey
Guernsey’s inheritance rules are unique: realty and personalty pass in different ways, and wills of real property become public record. Our matching service connects you with a Guernsey Advocate who understands the Bailiwick’s customary law and modern practice.
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Your inheritance concerns in Guernsey
How inheritance law works in the Bailiwick
If you are dealing with an estate in Guernsey, you will quickly discover that the rules differ from those in England or elsewhere. The Bailiwick has its own legislature and courts, and inheritance matters are governed by a mix of Norman customary law and modern statute. A key distinction is between realty (land) and personalty (movables): a will of realty becomes a public document at the Greffe, while a will of personalty remains private. Probate is not required for realty, but a tariff of around 0.35% applies to the value of personal assets. There is no inheritance tax, and forced heirship was abolished in 2012, giving you substantial testamentary freedom. Yet disputes can arise, and the six-month period to claim against an estate is short. We match you with inheritance lawyers in Guernsey who can guide you through these local nuances.
Local specifics
Inheritance practice in Guernsey: what you need to know
Guernsey’s legal system combines Norman customary law with English-style statutory law, and its inheritance rules reflect that hybrid nature. The following points summarise how matters are handled, based on official sources.
Two estates: realty and personalty
Guernsey law sharply distinguishes between realty (land and buildings) and personalty (cash, shares, jewellery and other movables). A will of realty becomes part of the property title and is a public record at the Greffe; a will of personalty remains private. Practitioners often advise two separate wills to preserve confidentiality.
No inheritance tax, no forced heirship
Guernsey imposes no inheritance tax. Since 2 April 2012, the forced heirship rules that previously limited testamentary freedom were abolished by the Inheritance (Guernsey) Law, 2011. You may dispose of your estate largely as you wish, subject to claims by dependants under statutory provisions.
Probate and the 0.35% tariff
Probate is not required for Guernsey realty; title passes automatically on death. For personalty, a Guernsey probate process applies, and a tariff broadly equivalent to 0.35% of the total value of personal assets is payable. The Ecclesiastical Court handles probate matters.
Claims against an estate: six-month window
A person seeking reasonable financial provision from an estate must apply within six months from the date of death. This is a strict deadline under Guernsey’s prescription rules, which extinguish the right of action, not merely bar the remedy. Early legal advice is essential.
Who can advise you: Advocates of the Royal Court
Only Advocates of the Royal Court have full rights of audience and may practise Guernsey law as instructing lawyers and court advocates. They are admitted after rigorous examinations and are members of the Guernsey Bar. Non-advocate lawyers may assist but cannot hold themselves out as Advocates.
Key time limit — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
Succession and probate (claims against an estate for reasonable financial provision) — 6 months from the date of death within which to apply against the estate. The Inheritance (Guernsey) Law, 2011 removed the former regime of forced heirship with effect from 2 April 2012, so that Guernsey real estate, and the worldwide personal estate of a person domiciled in Guernsey, may be left to whom the testator chooses. That freedom is qualified by the right of certain classes of persons (for example dependants, spouses and children) to apply for reasonable financial provision out of the deceased’s personal estate, which the court may order where the will or the intestacy rules failed to make reasonable provision. There is a six-month time limit from the date of death within which such applications against the estate must be made, so applicants need to act swiftly. Grants of representation are issued by the Guernsey Probate Registry, operated by the Ecclesiastical Court of the Bailiwick of Guernsey under an agreement with the States; a will of Guernsey realty is a public document recorded at the Greffe, and no grant of probate is required for Guernsey realty, the title to which passes on death.
The information on this page is drawn from official Guernsey sources and reputable law firm publications, current as of 2025-2026.
Common challenges
Inheritance issues that need local expertise
These are the situations where a Guernsey Advocate can make a real difference.
Public wills for realty
A will of Guernsey realty becomes a public document at the Greffe, exposing your property intentions. This lack of privacy can surprise newcomers and complicate sensitive family situations.
Six-month deadline for estate claims
If you need to challenge a will or claim financial provision from an estate, you must act within six months of the death. Missing this deadline extinguishes your right entirely under Guernsey prescription rules.
Two estates, two sets of rules
Realty and personalty are treated differently, from probate requirements to taxation. Without local guidance, you may mishandle one or the other, leading to delays or unnecessary fees.
Why use our service
What you gain from a Guernsey Advocate
Matching with the right lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes.
Dedicated Guernsey Advocates
Our matched lawyers are Advocates of the Royal Court, admitted after rigorous exams and bound by the Guernsey Bar’s professional standards.
Clear on fees and process
You will understand from the outset how Guernsey’s tariffs, court fees and hourly rates apply to your inheritance matter, with no hidden costs.
Rapid, confidential matching
Tell us about your situation and we will connect you with a suitable Advocate, typically within one to two working days, without charge.
Guidance through local quirks
From the distinction between realty and personalty to the six-month claim window, you will have someone who knows the Guernsey rules inside out.
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Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do inheritance lawyers in Guernsey do?
They advise on wills, estate administration, probate, and disputes over inheritance. In Guernsey, these matters are handled by Advocates, who combine the roles of solicitor and barrister. They can prepare separate wills for realty and personalty, guide you through the probate tariff, and represent you in Royal Court proceedings.
Is there inheritance tax in Guernsey?
No. Guernsey has no inheritance tax regime. However, a tariff of approximately 0.35% of the value of personal assets is payable during the probate process. Real property is not subject to probate, so no tariff applies to land or buildings.
How long do I have to claim against an estate in Guernsey?
Under Guernsey’s prescription rules, you must apply for reasonable financial provision from an estate within six months from the date of death. This is a strict deadline; after that period, the right of action is extinguished, not merely barred.
Do I need two wills in Guernsey?
Many practitioners recommend two wills because a will of realty becomes a public document at the Greffe, while a will of personalty remains private. Having separate wills for real estate and movable assets preserves confidentiality and simplifies estate administration.
Can I dispose of my estate freely in Guernsey?
Yes, largely. Forced heirship rules were abolished by the Inheritance (Guernsey) Law, 2011, effective from 2 April 2012. You have broad testamentary freedom, though statutory provisions allow certain dependants to claim reasonable financial provision from the estate.
How do I find a qualified inheritance lawyer in Guernsey?
You can use our free matching service. We connect you with a Guernsey Advocate who specialises in inheritance and succession matters. Simply describe your issue, and we will suggest a suitable lawyer within one to two working days, with no obligation.
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