Can I write my own will?
Yes — but entirely by hand. You may write your own will (a handwritten will, § 2247 BGB). Condition: it must be written entirely by hand and signed in your own hand. A will typed on a computer or typewriter and merely signed is invalid. Strongly recommended are place and date and clear, unambiguous wording of who should inherit what. You can keep it at home or, for a fee, deposit it with the probate court. For full certainty, choose a notarial will.
📋 The rules
- Handwritten will: written entirely by hand + signed (§ 2247 BGB)
- Typed on computer/typewriter = invalid
- Place and date strongly recommended
- Unambiguous wording: who inherits what (heirs, bequests)
- Keep at home or in official safekeeping at the probate court
🔓 Exceptions
- Joint spouses' will (§ 2267): one writes, both sign
- Notarial will: certified by a notary, especially secure
- Emergency will (e.g. before witnesses) only in narrowly limited situations
⚠️ Penalties & fines
It's about validity. If the form isn't met — e.g. typed instead of handwritten, or unsigned — the will is void; then the statutory succession applies, which rarely matches what you wanted. Unclear wording leads to disputes and costly estate fights. So observe the form strictly, word it unambiguously, and for larger estates or patchwork families consult a notary or specialist lawyer.
📎 Official sources
- § 2247 BGB · Handwritten will →
- § 2267 BGB · Joint will →
- Verbraucherzentrale · Drawing up a will correctly →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I write my will on a computer?
No. A handwritten will must be written entirely by hand and signed. A typed document is invalid even with a signature. Only the notarial will may be put in writing by the notary.
What must a handwritten will contain?
The full handwritten text with your signature, ideally with place and date. Write clearly who becomes heir and who gets which items. Clarity prevents later disputes.
Do I need witnesses or a notary?
Not for a handwritten will. Witnesses are only needed for an emergency will, a notary only for a notarial will. The latter is especially secure and sensible for larger estates or complex families.
Where do I keep the will?
You can keep it at home — safely and findable — or, for a fee, place it in official safekeeping at the probate court. The latter ensures the will is found and opened when the time comes.
What happens without a valid will?
Then statutory succession applies: spouse and relatives inherit by fixed shares. That often doesn't match your wishes — e.g. if unmarried partners or certain people should benefit. That's exactly what a will is for.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “write own will valid”
- “handwritten will 2247”
- “will on computer invalid”
- “will place date required”
- “handwritten will form”
- “deposit will probate court”