Inheritance law governs the transfer of a person’s assets to their heirs upon death. Its purpose is to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are respected, heirs are protected and assets are distributed fairly, while taking into account legal requirements and family considerations. This field covers both straightforward estates and complex situations involving substantial assets, international structures or sensitive family relationships.
In the absence of specific arrangements, succession is governed by statutory law, which determines the legal heirs and the distribution of the estate. However, individuals may organise their succession through a will or an inheritance agreement, subject to mandatory heirship rules, which guarantee a minimum share to certain protected heirs. Inheritance law also covers the liquidation and distribution of the estate, including the inventory of assets, settlement of debts, execution of testamentary provisions and, where applicable, the appointment and role of an executor.
Our lawyers advise clients both upstream, as part of a calm and preventive estate planning process, and downstream, during the effective settlement of the estate. We assist with the drafting of wills and inheritance agreements, taking into account family, patrimonial and tax considerations, with the aim of anticipating disputes and securing the transfer of assets.
We also support heirs throughout the succession process, in particular in connection with asset inventories, acceptance or renunciation of the inheritance, and the division of the estate. In the event of inheritance disputes or disagreements between heirs, we represent and defend our clients’ interests, favouring negotiated solutions where possible, while ensuring firm representation before the courts when necessary.
The added value of our specialised lawyers lies in an approach that is both legal and human, combining rigor, attentiveness and strategic insight. Our objective is to ensure that testamentary wishes are respected, heirs’ rights are protected and estates are settled efficiently and calmly, in accordance with Swiss law.