Asset Protection
Enterben (disinheritance) — Pflichtteil, strategy, practice
Under German law, Enterben (disinheritance) rarely means leaving someone with nothing. The Pflichtteil (compulsory share) almost always survives — and the BGB lists only narrowly defined grounds for true Pflichtteilsentziehung (withdrawal of the compulsory share). Below: the main guide on all requirements plus four detail answers on lost contact, gross ingratitude, childless constellations, and disinheriting a spouse.
The main guide
Enterben 2026: Requirements, Pflichtteil and Consequences
Enterben does not automatically mean coming away empty-handed. What you need to know in 2026 about the testament, Pflichtteil, § 2333 BGB and the tax consequences.
Read the full guideDetail answers
Concrete case constellations and detail questions around enterben — building on the main guide.
Disinheriting because of Break of Contact: §§ 1938, 2333 BGB 2026
Disinheriting because of break of contact under §§ 1938, 2333 BGB: what is legally possible, why the Pflichtteil mostly remains and which alternatives actually work.
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Disinheritance for Grober Undank: § 530 BGB vs § 2333 BGB
Disinheritance for Grober Undank (gross ingratitude) 2026: the difference between § 530 BGB (revoking a Schenkung) and § 2333 BGB (withdrawing the Pflichtteil) with practical examples.
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Disinheriting a child without Pflichtteil in 2026: is it really possible?
Disinheriting a child without Pflichtteil: these 5 strategies really work in 2026. Conditions under § 2333 BGB, pitfalls and costs at a glance.
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Disinheriting a Spouse 2026: Pflichtteil and Strategy
Disinheriting a spouse in 2026: using Pflichtteil, matrimonial property regime and Berliner Testament strategically — with worked examples and current case law.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
The questions clients ask most frequently in advisory work around enterben.
What does Enterben mean legally, in precise terms?
Enterbung is the testamentary disposition that a statutory heir does not become heir (§ 1938 BGB). The Pflichtteil claim — half of the statutory share under § 2303 BGB — remains untouched and is a pure monetary claim against the heirs.
Can I disinherit my child completely, without Pflichtteil?
Completely — that is, without Pflichtteil — only works via § 2333 BGB (Pflichtteilsentziehung for grave misconduct such as attempt on the testator's life or conviction to at least one year of imprisonment) or via a notarised Pflichtteilsverzicht (Pflichtteil waiver) during lifetime under § 2346 BGB.
Is a long-standing break in contact sufficient for Pflichtteilsentziehung?
No. The BGH (decision of 12.02.2014 — XII ZB 607/12) clarified: a break in contact is regularly a misconduct, but not a *grave* misconduct in the sense of the forfeiture grounds. § 2333 BGB requires a specifically punished or quasi-criminal act.
What is the difference between § 530 BGB and § 2333 BGB?
§ 530 BGB governs the revocation of a lifetime gift for gross ingratitude (1-year period from knowledge). § 2333 BGB governs Pflichtteilsentziehung in the testament after death and is tied to an exhaustive catalogue of grave acts. The two are frequently confused in practice.
Can I disinherit my spouse?
Yes — the consequence is a Pflichtteil claim of 1/4 (Zugewinngemeinschaft) down to 1/8 (Gütertrennung with several children). Switching the matrimonial property regime is by far the most important strategic lever — at 1,500,000 EUR estate, the difference is 187,500 EUR.
How do I reduce the Pflichtteil in a legally robust way?
Three viable routes: notarised Pflichtteilsverzicht against compensation (§ 2346 BGB, 100 percent success rate), lifetime Schenkungen observing the 10-year deadline (§ 2325 BGB, 10-percent annual decline), or structural solutions such as Familienstiftung or Familienpool for larger estates.
Must the reason for Pflichtteilsentziehung be stated in the testament?
Yes, mandatorily. § 2336 (2) BGB requires the concrete statement of the factual circumstances fulfilling the § 2333 BGB ground. Generic wording like 'because of his behaviour' makes the withdrawal invalid — the Pflichtteil then persists.
What happens to the grandchildren if I disinherit my child?
If a child is disinherited, the child's descendants — the grandchildren — generally move up (Repräsentationsprinzip, § 1924 (3) BGB). The BGH (judgment of 13.04.2011 — IV ZR 204/09) explicitly confirmed this. Anyone who wants to prevent this must also disinherit the grandchildren in the testament.
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