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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.

Why single parents should also make a will – preventing your ex-partner from accessing your inheritance

Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Notaries. A will can and should not only specify who inherits what. Many single parents who have minor children, for example, want to prevent the other parent from later gaining access to the inheritance. This is precisely the danger that exists. Custody also includes the management of assets. If a single parent dies and the other parent has custody...

Looking for a property manager? – What apartment owners need to consider

Appointing an administrator relieves condominium owners and creates clear responsibilities. But what specific powers does the administrator have? How is he appointed and how is he dismissed? And what role does he play in the sale of a condominium? The Saxony Chamber of Notaries clarifies the legal requirements. Key role in the condominium owners' association If you imagine the condominium owners' association as...

Advantages of notarized powers of attorney - notary advises and ensures legally compliant wording

Westphalian Chamber of Notaries. Consumers often assume that a power of attorney must be certified or notarized by a notary in order to be valid. However, although powers of attorney are valid for many purposes without any formal requirements, a notarized power of attorney has numerous advantages. If it is a power of attorney for health care, with which provision is made for a sudden incapacity and a...

The electronic certificate of attendance – a major step toward fully digital notarial services

In May of this year, the government published a draft bill introducing electronic notarization in person. Since 2022, it has been possible to create electronic records as part of online notarial procedures, and in the future, this option will also be available for in-person procedures, i.e., when the parties are present at the notary's office. This will close gaps in digitization, avoid media breaks, and...

Most popular legal form for start-ups – How to set up a limited liability company quickly and easily

The limited liability company, or GmbH for short, is the most common legal form for start-ups in Germany. This is due to the many advantages it offers founders: The GmbH legal form is considered trustworthy and is internationally recognized, which makes it easier to find business partners and investors. It is suitable for companies of all sizes whose business area also...

Leasehold - an alternative way to owning your own home?

High land prices and limited building land in metropolitan areas present many people with the challenge of realizing their dream of owning their own home. Heritable building rights, colloquially known as "leaseholds", offer an interesting alternative: they allow you to build or buy your own home without having to purchase the often expensive land. This can significantly reduce the financial hurdles...