Smaller queues in courts. Those who inherit have it easier

Last year’s changes in provisions on legitime introduced significant restrictions for those people who were not included in the will. Close relatives may not receive the funds they are entitled to if their presence is not clearly stated in the will. Changes in the law narrow the group of people who are actually entitled to claim such benefits and at the same time facilitate the process of disinheritance.

From March 2026, the inheritance procedure is much simpler – an application for entry in the land and mortgage register can now be submitted directly to a notary.

Changes in inheritance and legitim from 2025

The descendants, spouse and parents of the deceased are entitled to compulsory share, but new regulations from 2025 make it easier to withdraw this right. Effective disinheritance requires careful consideration in the will with clearly defined reasons, such as committing a serious crime against the testator.

The changes also include the method of calculating the compulsory share. The estate includes the so-called the founding fund of a family foundation, provided it was not included in the will. Persons entitled to a compulsory share may pursue their claims within a specific period of time – they expire after five years from the opening of the will.

Application for entry in the land and mortgage register at a notary

So far after preparing an inheritance certificate at a notary’s office the heir had to independently submit an application to the court to disclose the change of owner in the land and mortgage register kept for the inherited property. In practice, this meant the need to fill out forms, collect documents and remember to pay court fees.

From March 17, 2026, heirs can submit an application for an entry in the land and mortgage register directly with a notary – even during the same visit during which the inheritance certificate is prepared. The change in the law will also contribute to the improvement of the work of courts.