Universal Bequest
You allocate the entirety of your estate to one or more individuals, referred to as "universal beneficiaries." This type of bequest is permissible only if you do not have descendants (reserved heirs).
Within the framework of a universal bequest, you may also stipulate specific bequests. In your will, you can designate additional beneficiaries to whom the universal beneficiary—such as Stëmm vun der Strooss—will be tasked with transferring the specific assets you have identified.

Specific Universal Bequest
You bequeath a portion of your estate to Stëmm vun der Strooss, expressed as a fraction, percentage, or category of assets (such as your real estate). A specific universal bequest may also apply if you have reserved heirs. In such cases, the reserved portion and the freely disposable portion of the estate must be considered to ensure the protection of your descendants.
Reserved Heirs
Certain individuals are protected by law and are entitled to a specific share of the inheritance. These are the descendants of the deceased, recognized as reserved heirs. Their portion of the estate is known as the "reserved share," while the portion freely disposable by the testator is referred to as the "disposable share."
This disposable share varies depending on the number of children:
- 1 child: 1/2 of the estate
- 2 children: 1/3 of the estate
- 3 or more children: 1/4 of the estate
Variations Based on Number of Children
The proportion of the estate that can be freely allocated (disposable share) decreases as the number of children increases, ensuring their protection under inheritance laws.

Specific Bequest
You bequeath one or more specifically designated assets to Stëmm vun der Strooss. These assets may include a house, an apartment, securities, jewelry, bank accounts, a specific sum of money, or other specified items.

How to Make a Bequest
Holographic Will
A holographic will is written entirely by hand, expressing your final wishes, and kept at home. For validity, it must:
- Be handwritten on plain white paper.
- Be dated with precision (including the day, month, and year).
- Be signed.
No additional conditions are required, provided your intentions are expressed clearly and unambiguously. The will must include only your signature, as joint wills signed by both spouses are not valid.
This method is the simplest and least expensive. You can revoke a holographic will at any time by destroying it and drafting a new one, without professional assistance. However, a drawback is that, since you are solely responsible for its safekeeping, the will can be lost, destroyed, or stolen.
To ensure your wishes are respected, you can secure your holographic will in one of two ways:
- Registration: Submit it to the central register of last will dispositions, maintained by the Administration de l’Enregistrement et des Domaines, for a fee of €9.92.
- Notarial Deposit: Deposit it with a notary who will ensure its safekeeping or register it directly with the central registry
Authentic Will (Public Instrument)
An authentic will is created as a public instrument. You dictate your wishes to either two notaries or one notary in the presence of two witnesses. The notary drafts the will—either by hand or on a computer. After dictation and reading, the will is signed by you, the notary, and the witnesses (or the second notary). The will is then dated and registered in the central register of last will dispositions.
Advantages:
- Reliability: The will is drafted by a notary knowledgeable in current laws, minimizing errors or disputes.
- Security: Being registered, the will cannot be destroyed or lost.
Cost: The minimum fee for an authentic will is €250. Any modifications or revocation require the assistance of a notary, as an authentic will can only be replaced by another authentic will
Mystic Will
A mystic will is signed by you and presented sealed to a notary in the presence of two witnesses. The notary then drafts a certificate of receipt, signed by you, the witnesses, and the notary. Like the authentic will, it is registered with the central registry.
Advantages:
- Confidentiality: The contents remain secret until your passing.
Disadvantages:
- Legal Uncertainty: The notary cannot verify the legal validity of the will, as its contents remain unknown.
(Source: Le Guide des Dons, Legs & Donations, 2023)
For More Information
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