Many disinherited children were never consciously disinherited. They are listed second in their parents\u2019 Berlin will and are therefore excluded from the line of succession in the first instance of inheritance. Others read in the will that has been opened that their father\u2019s new partner is to inherit everything, or that a sibling is to inherit alone. This makes no difference to their claim. A will can exclude children from the line of succession, but it cannot exclude them from the value of the estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This minimum share is known as the compulsory portion. It is not a share of the estate, but a claim for money against the heirs, and it amounts to half of the statutory share of the inheritance. If the assets are tied up in the family home, the sums involved can quickly run into six figures. However, nothing is paid out automatically. This guide explains which children are entitled, how the amount is calculated, what role previous gifts play, and how the claim can be enforced within the relevant time limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n