GermanyWhat is the forced share (Pflichtteil) and who is entitled?
The forced share (Pflichtteil) is a legal minimum inheritance that certain close relatives — children, parents, and spouses — are entitled to receive even if disinherited in a will. It equals half the value of their statutory share.
What the Law Says
German law guarantees certain family members a minimum inheritance — called the forced share (Pflichtteil) — even if they are explicitly excluded from a will or inheritance contract.
The forced share protects close relatives from total disinheritance. It applies only when someone is formally excluded from the statutory succession by a testamentary disposition (e.g., a will or inheritance contract).
It is not a right to inherit property directly, but rather a monetary claim against the estate or the heir(s) — payable in cash unless otherwise agreed or ordered by court.
The forced share does not prevent disinheritance itself, but ensures financial protection for vulnerable family members who might otherwise be left with nothing.
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 (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory Text(2) Das gleiche Recht steht den Eltern und dem Ehegatten des Erblassers zu, wenn sie durch Verfügung von Todes wegen von der Erbfolge ausgeschlossen sind. Die Vorschrift des § 1371 bleibt unberührt.
— BGB § 2303 (2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have clarified key boundaries around forced share claims — especially regarding validity of disinheritance and enforceability of restrictions placed on the claim.
The court ruled that testamentary clauses attempting to waive or limit a child’s forced share claim are generally invalid unless made within a formal inheritance contract and meeting strict consent requirements.
What to Do
Confirm whether you (or the person involved) are a child, spouse, or parent of the deceased.
Determine if you were expressly excluded from inheritance via will, contract, or other disposition.
Calculate your statutory share first — then take half of that value as your forced share claim.
File a written claim against the heir(s) within the applicable limitation period (usually 3 years from knowledge of disinheritance and estate details).
Consider consulting a German inheritance lawyer — especially if the estate includes complex assets or contested provisions.
Sources
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JapanNot 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.