Document background
A Deed on Death serves as a crucial estate planning instrument under Belgian law, allowing individuals to express their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and responsibilities after death. This document type must be carefully drafted to ensure compliance with Belgian Civil Code requirements, particularly regarding forced heirship rules that protect certain heirs' inheritance rights. The deed should address various elements including asset distribution, executor appointments, and specific bequests, while considering both domestic and international assets if applicable. When properly executed, a Belgian Deed on Death provides legal certainty and helps prevent potential disputes among heirs, though it must always respect the mandatory inheritance portions prescribed by law. The document becomes especially important in cases involving substantial assets, international elements, or complex family situations.
