Wills and Inheritance

In matters of inheritance, the issues that are not addressed in advance often matter most

Many people assume that assets will “pass on” naturally, or that the law will resolve everything. In reality, when arrangements are not clearly made in advance, disputes may arise between heirs, different interpretations of the deceased’s wishes may emerge, rights may be delayed, and in some cases complex legal proceedings may become necessary. Preparing a properly drafted will, or handling an inheritance matter correctly, is not merely a technical step. It is a process intended to ensure that your wishes can be carried out in practice, and that your family can proceed with clarity and order at a sensitive time. We assist with the planning, drafting and legal arrangement of the relevant matters, so that you can understand what will happen — and just as importantly, what will not.

Areas of Expertise

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Let us check the things that truly matter for you.

A will is not only a document. It is planning in advance.

A will allows you to determine how your assets, rights and obligations will be distributed after your passing, according to your personal wishes. Many people think of a will as a simple document. In practice, imprecise wording, inconsistency between assets, or failure to address complex family circumstances may lead to disputes or prevent the wishes expressed in the will from being fully carried out. We review the relevant circumstances with you, including the family structure, types of assets, financial considerations and tax aspects, and draft a will that is clear, accurate and practical.

Inheritance by law when there is no will

When no will has been prepared, the estate is distributed according to the provisions of law. That distribution does not always reflect the deceased’s wishes, and it may create complex situations, particularly in extended families, relationships involving common-law spouses, jointly held assets or high-value property. In such cases, precise legal guidance is required in order to understand the rights involved, prevent disputes where possible and manage the process in an orderly manner.

Applications for inheritance orders and probate orders are more than a filing

Submitting an application to the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs or to a competent court is not necessarily the end of the process. In many cases, it is only the beginning. Objections may arise, additional documents may be required, or there may be a need to address differences between the will and the circumstances in practice. We handle all stages of the process, from filing the application, through dealing with objections where necessary, to obtaining the order and managing the subsequent steps with the relevant bodies. The aim is not only to obtain an order, but to ensure that it enables the estate to be handled clearly and effectively going forward.

Estate administration when a complex process requires order

In many cases, particularly where there are several heirs, different types of assets or disputes, the estate must be administered in an organized manner. This may include dealing with assets, liabilities, actual distribution and, at times, coordination between the different interests of the heirs. We guide the process methodically in order to prevent delays, reduce friction and protect the rights of all parties involved.

Types of wills — why the choice matters

The law recognizes several types of wills, including a handwritten will, a will signed before witnesses, a will made before an authority, and an oral will in special circumstances. Although each type may be valid when the required conditions are met, not every type of will is suitable for every situation. An unsuitable choice or imprecise drafting may affect the validity of the will or make it more difficult to implement in the future. For that reason, it is important to adapt the type and structure of the will to the personal circumstances, rather than relying on a generic solution.

Inheritance and assets — the issue that is not always considered

When an estate includes real estate, assets abroad or complex family arrangements, the process may also involve questions of registration, taxation and coordination between different rights. In these situations, it is important to consider the implications in advance and create an arrangement that helps prevent future difficulties, rather than merely recording the distribution on paper.

Questions and Answers

What is important to know before a real estate transaction?

מהי צוואה?

צוואה היא מסמך משפטי, בו מורה אדם כיצד יחולק רכושו לאחר מותו.
באיזה מקרים צוואה בכתב חשובה?

משפחות חד הוריות, ילדים עם צרכים מיוחדים, ילדים קטינים, פרודים, זוגות עריריים וזוגות שנשואים נישואים שניים ויותר ולכל אחד מבני הזוג ילדים משלו.
האם צוואה היא הדרך הבטוחה לדאוג לחלוקת העיזבון על פי רצונכם?

בהחלט כן, צוואה היא הדרך הבטוחה לדאוג לחלוקת העיזבון על פי רצונכם.
איזה סוגי צוואות קיימות?

בכתב יד, בפני עדים, בפני רשות ובעל פה.
למה לערוך צוואה בכתב?

על מנת למנוע סכסוך אפשרי (בני זוג ,יורשים שאינם בני משפחה)
מה קורה אם אדם נפטר בלי צוואה?

במקרה שאין צוואה, הירושה מחולקת לפי חוק הירושה. המשמעות היא שהמדינה קובעת מי יקבל מה – וזה לא תמיד תואם לרצון האמיתי של האדם. הדבר עלול להוביל למחלוקות, הליכים משפטיים וסכסוכים מיותרים בין קרובים.
האם צוואה בכתב יד נחשבת לתקפה?

כן, צוואה בכתב יד תקפה כל עוד היא נכתבה כולה בכתב ידו של המצווה ונחתמה על ידו. עם זאת, חשוב לוודא שהניסוח ברור ומדויק כדי למנוע בעיות בעתיד, ולכן מומלץ להתייעץ עם עו"ד.
האם ניתן להוריש רכוש גם לא לבני משפחה?

בהחלט. בצוואה ניתן להוריש רכוש לכל אדם – בן משפחה, חבר קרוב, מטפל סיעודי, עמותה או כל גורם אחר. זו אחת הסיבות המרכזיות לעריכת צוואה: חופש ההחלטה.
האם ניתן לשנות צוואה שנחתמה בעבר?

כן. כל עוד האדם כשיר משפטית, הוא יכול לשנות או לבטל את צוואתו בכל עת. הצוואה האחרונה שנחתמה היא זו שקובעת – כל עוד היא תקפה.
מה היתרון בהפקדת צוואה ברשם הירושה?

הפקדת צוואה ברשם הירושה מבטיחה שהצוואה תישמר במקום בטוח, תימנע אובדן או זיוף, ותהיה נגישה ליורשים בעת הצורך. מדובר בהליך פשוט ובעלות סמלית.

You deserve close, professional, and personal legal support.

In the most expensive and important transaction of your life, I will be there for you.
From the negotiation stage through delivery or receiving the keys, registration in the Land Registry, and far beyond.