Succession law

Accelerating the settlement of successions in Europe

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Regulation (EU) 650/2012 on international successions has been in force since 17 August 2015. This new instrument considerably simplifies successions within the European Union. The law of the deceased’s habitual residence now applies to the entire succession. However, citizens may choose the law of their nationality for the settlement of their estate.

Notaries are at the forefront of the application of the Regulation. In many Member States, they are the starting point for citizens to prepare their succession, and for heirs seeking to better understand and organise their international succession. Notaries also issue the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) in several Member States. Finally, through the European Network of Registers of Wills Association (ENRWA), they are working on the creation and interconnection of registers of wills and ESCs in Europe.