GermanyWhat happens if a will is contested?
A contested will may be declared invalid by a court if the testator lacked testamentary capacity, was unduly influenced, or the will failed formal requirements. The burden of proof lies with the person challenging it.
What the Law Says
In Germany, a will can be contested on several legal grounds — most commonly lack of testamentary capacity (Testierfähigkeit), undue influence, or failure to meet formal requirements. While § 2229 BGB defines who has the legal capacity to make a will, other provisions (e.g., § 2078(2) BGB) govern challenges based on coercion or exploitation.
To be valid, a will must reflect the free and informed decision of a testator who understands its nature and consequences. Under § 2229 BGB, minors under 16 cannot make a will at all. Even after age 16, a person must be mentally capable: they must understand the meaning of their declaration and act accordingly.
A will may also be challenged under § 2078(2) BGB if it was made under undue influence — for example, through manipulation of a vulnerable or dependent testator. In such cases, the contesting party must prove that the testator’s free will was compromised.
Statutory Text(1) Ein Minderjähriger kann ein Testament erst errichten, wenn er das 16. Lebensjahr vollendet hat.
— BGB § 2229 — German Civil Code
Statutory Text(4) Wer wegen krankhafter Störung der Geistestätigkeit, wegen Geistesschwäche oder wegen Bewusstseinsstörung nicht in der Lage ist, die Bedeutung einer von ihm abgegebenen Willenserklärung einzusehen und nach dieser Einsicht zu handeln, kann ein Testament nicht errichten.
— BGB § 2229 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts emphasize objective, evidence-based assessment of testamentary capacity and voluntariness — especially in cases involving dementia or dependency.
The court ruled that medical evidence of dementia at the time of will execution can invalidate it if it substantially impaired the testator’s ability to understand the will’s significance and consequences.
The court held that a will procured by exploiting the testator’s dependency or vulnerability may be contested under § 2078(2) BGB — and the challenger bears the burden of proving coercion or lack of free will.
What to Do
Gather medical records, witness statements, or other evidence showing incapacity or undue influence at the time the will was made.
File a contestation lawsuit (Anfechtungsklage) at the competent local court (Amtsgericht) within the statutory deadline — typically before the estate is distributed.
Consult a specialist inheritance lawyer (Fachanwalt für Erbrecht) to assess viability and represent you in court.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.