Contract of inheritance (Erbvertrag)

In a German contract of inheritance (Erbvertrag), each of the parties to the contract may make contractual dispositions mortis causae (Verfügung von Todes wegen).  Such dispositions cannot be revoked or changed unilaterally unless the party to the contract of inheritance has retained the right to do so in the contract. Dispositions other than a choice of law, an appointment of an heir (Erbe), an appointment of a legatee (Vermächtnisnehmer) and testamentary burdens may not be made contractually. See § 2278 BGB. In order to be effective, a contract of inheritance must be signed in front of a German Notary (notarization). See § 2276 BGB.