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To ensure that you are always up to date, you will receive occasional notifications about important court rulings as well as legal commentary and notes from our experts on this page. Please be aware that the original language of our news content is German. While we strive for accuracy, automated or manual translations may occasionally contain errors. If any part of a ruling or commentary is unclear, do not hesitate to reach out to us for direct advice.
Buying a house as a family or couple: when a GbR can make sense
When couples, siblings or parents and children buy a property together, the question is not only who owns which share. It is also important: Who pays how much? What happens in the event of separation, death or subsequent transfer to the next generation? A civil law partnership, or GbR for short, can provide a flexible structure in such cases - should...
Notarization or certification?
Notaries notarize and certify. But what is the difference? The terms are often confused or equated, but they are completely different activities: while notarization is required for significant legal transactions and includes notarial advice, signature certification basically only confirms the identity of the signatory. Notarization In the case of notarizations, deeds are...
What are the duties of a notary?
Buying a home, drawing up a marriage contract, applying for adoption - some legal transactions are so important that the law requires them to be notarized. But what is the path to the deed? What happens „behind the scenes“ once everyone has signed? Notaries provide advice and support from the initial idea through to implementation. The path to...
The electronic notarial deed as a milestone in the digitalization of the notary's office
Since December 29, 2025, it has been possible to draw up notarial deeds in an electronic face-to-face procedure. The parties to the deed are present in person at the notary's office, but the deed itself is originally drawn up electronically and signed electronically by the parties involved. „The introduction of electronic face-to-face notarization is a key step in the digitalization of the notary's office. An electronically drawn up deed enables...
Three ten-year periods to consider – there's a lot to think about when it comes to gifts too!
People who give away assets during their lifetime often think about tax advantages. But in fact, three different ten-year periods—in tax law, gift and social law, and compulsory inheritance law—determine whether a gift ultimately has the desired effect. For many, this is a surprising finding that shows that asset transfers are often less of a spontaneous act of generosity...
Notaries: A legally secure start to setting up a business
The path from idea to your own company raises numerous legal questions. Entrepreneurs benefit from reliable legal advice from notaries when setting up a business. Their neutral, competent support ensures that start-ups are on a solid footing right from the start. Create clarity early on – on site or online „Especially for young companies, it is...