Germany

Can I disinherit my children?

50%
Forced share percentage
1/2
Statutory share reduction
BGB § 2303
Forced share statute
BGB § 1937
Will-based heir appointment
The Short Answer

Yes, you can disinherit your children in Germany through a will, but they are still entitled to a forced share (Pflichtteil) — half the value of their statutory inheritance share.

What the Law Says

German law allows you to appoint heirs freely via will, but it also protects close family members — especially children — from total disinheritance by guaranteeing them a minimum inheritance right called the 'forced share' (Pflichtteil).

Under BGB § 1937, you may appoint any person as your heir through a valid will (Testament or other last will and testament), including excluding your own children. This gives you broad freedom of testamentary disposition.

However, BGB § 2303 limits that freedom: if you exclude a child from inheritance via will, that child has an automatic legal claim to a 'forced share' — not full inheritance, but a monetary claim equal to half the value of what they would have received under intestate succession (i.e., if there were no will).

This forced share applies automatically — no court order is needed to establish the right, though enforcement may require legal action if the heir refuses payment.

Statutory Text

Der Erblasser kann durch einseitige Verfügung von Todes wegen (Testament, letztwillige Verfügung) den Erben bestimmen.

— BGB § 1937 — Appointment of heir by will
Statutory Text

(1) Ist ein Abkömmling des Erblassers durch Verfügung von Todes wegen von der Erbfolge ausgeschlossen, so kann er von dem Erben den Pflichtteil verlangen. Der Pflichtteil besteht in der Hälfte des Wertes des gesetzlichen Erbteils.

— BGB § 2303 — Forced share for descendants

What to Do

1

Consult a German notary or inheritance lawyer before drafting a will that disinherits a child — to ensure validity and assess Pflichtteil implications.

2

Consider waiving the forced share in advance: children may sign a notarized waiver (Pflichtteilsverzicht) during your lifetime — this is legally binding and prevents future claims.

3

Document clear, serious reasons for disinheritance (e.g., severe misconduct) — while not required for validity, it may help defend against challenges to the will’s fairness.

4

Calculate the approximate forced share value (50% of statutory share) to plan estate distribution realistically and avoid liquidity shortfalls.

Sources

statuteBGB § 1937 — Appointment of heir by willstatuteBGB § 2303 — Forced share (Pflichtteil) for descendants, parents, and spouse

Related Questions

What is the forced share (Pflichtteil) and who is entitled?How is the forced share calculated?How do I write a valid handwritten will?What is a notarial will and when do I need one?

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Not 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.