A Practical Guide for Heirs

This expert guide to inheritance law provides a systematic explanation of the substantive rules under the Slovak Civil Code. It focuses exclusively on the conditions for creation, the content and the legal effects of institutions such as the will, disinheritance, the crediting of gifts (§ 484 of the Slovak Civil Code), forced heirs, liability for the deceased's debts and the settlement of community property of spouses (BSM) after death. It serves as a tool for correctly assessing inheritance claims and protecting property rights even before the proceedings themselves begin.

Inheritance law governs property relations after the death of the deceased and closely touches on family ties as well as sensitive personal relationships. A correct understanding of the substantive rules — from the determination of heirs to the effects of acts taken by the deceased during their lifetime — is key to protecting your property claims. This guide walks you clearly through the substantive framework of inheritance without focusing on procedural questions.

In the guide you will find answers above all to these questions:

The conditions for the validity of a will, the grounds for disinheritance and the protection of forced heirs
Intestate succession, the accretion of shares and escheat (transfer of property to the state)
The crediting of gifts against an inheritance share (§ 484 of the Slovak Civil Code) and the heirs' liability for the deceased's debts
The settlement of community property of spouses (bezpodielové spoluvlastníctvo manželov, 'BSM') after death, the use of the estate by several heirs and the protection of the rightful heir (§ 485 of the Slovak Civil Code)

For procedural questions and the course of the proceedings before the notary, see our separate guide:

Guide

A guide to probate proceedings

View the guide →

Every family and property situation is individual. This guide provides a basic orientation in the subject and does not replace individual legal advice. If you are dealing with a disputed inheritance or need an assessment of your position as an heir, do not hesitate to contact us.

Read the publications co-authored by Zuzana Vlková:

Zásadná reforma dedičského práva – nevyhnutnosť či nepodstatnosť?

Wolters Kluwer · 2023

Nehnuteľnosť ako sporný predmet dedičstva

Dedičské právo v hmotnoprávnych a procesnoprávnych súvislostiach

Wolters Kluwer · 2022

MATERIAL AND INHERITANCE LAW

Private law texts, cases and materials

Faculty of Law Comenius University Bratislava · 2024

Read our articles as well:

Disputed assets and debts in an estate: how does the notary proceed?Disputes in inheritance proceedings: What happens if the heirs cannot agree?What types of disputes arise in inheritance proceedings?

Zuzana Vlková

Attorney at law