Frequently asked questions about Dutch inheritance law

Based upon the legal texts of the European e-Justice Portal, we present you a practical overview of the most common articles in Dutch inheritance law.
A crash course inheritance law in fact, which might be of help in the proces.

• How is the disposition of property upon death (will, joint will, agreement on succession) drawn up?
• Are there restrictions on the freedom to dispose of property upon death (e.g. reserved share)?
• In the absence of a disposition of property upon death, who inherits and how much?
• What type of authority is competent in matters of succession?
• What is the procedure according to Dutch inheritance law to settle?
• How and when does one become an heir or legatee?
• Are the heirs liable for the deceased’s debts and, if yes, under which conditions?
• What are the documents and/or information usually required for the purposes of registration of immovable property?
• Is the appointment of an administrator mandatory or mandatory upon request?
• Who is entitled to execute the disposition upon death of the deceased and/or to administrate the estate?
• What powers does an administrator have?
• Which documents are typically issued during or at the end of succession proceedings proving the status and rights of the beneficiaries?