What Changes for Handwritten Wills Under the New Law of Succession

A major reform in Succession Law came into force on September 16, 2026, bringing significant changes to how handwritten wills are handled. Although the option to write one’s own will by hand remains, the law now introduces considerably stricter verification rules aimed at curbing forgery and preventing years of legal disputes. The simple publication of a handwritten will is no longer sufficient, as a new, special judicial procedure is now required to officially verify its authenticity before it can take full legal effect.

The most significant change requires a Judge or Notary to formally declare the handwritten will “valid and authentic” (officially recognized), supported by testimony from at least two witnesses who confirm the deceased’s handwriting and signature. Furthermore, if the will leaves property to someone outside the family, or if it is presented more than two years after the person’s death, a handwriting examination by a court-appointed expert becomes mandatory by law. Additionally, to protect elderly individuals, provisions leaving assets to staff or owners of care homes and medical facilities where the deceased was staying are now automatically void.

At the same time, the rules protecting children and surviving spouses who are left out or unfairly treated in a will have changed radically. The forced heirship share (reserved legal portion) no longer grants mandatory co-ownership of real estate properties; instead, it becomes a monetary financial claim against the appointed heir.

All these new regulations apply exclusively to deaths occurring on or after September 16, 2026. For deaths prior to this date, the previous legal regime continues to apply.