Inheritance, wills and asset transfers
We advise individuals and families on drafting wills, structuring lifetime transfers of assets, and representation in probate proceedings and inheritance disputes — particularly for larger estates that bring together different kinds of assets.
We advise on inheritance, estate planning and asset transfers, the drafting of wills, lifetime transfer agreements, and representation in probate proceedings and inheritance disputes. We are especially familiar with larger estates that combine different kinds of assets — for example a company, ownership interests and real estate.
Inheritance often begins at a moment when there is neither the time nor the strength for legal decisions, and disagreements between heirs can prolong the proceedings for years and weigh on the family. A considered arrangement — a will, a lifetime transfer arrangement or a plan for transferring assets — determines in advance how the estate will pass and reduces the scope for dispute. Our task is to arrange the transfer of assets clearly and in accordance with the Inheritance Act and, once a dispute has arisen, to protect the client's rights.
Five situations in which it is worth getting in touch.
- You want to draw up a valid will or bring it into line with the rules on the compulsory share.
- You are planning to transfer assets during your lifetime (a transfer agreement, a lifetime maintenance contract, or a preužitek arrangement).
- Probate proceedings have begun and you need representation at the probate hearing.
- A dispute has arisen between heirs over the shares of the estate, the validity of the will or the scope of the estate.
- The estate includes a company, a business share or real estate, and a coordinated arrangement is needed.
From arrangement to representation.
Wills
We prepare a valid will in accordance with the Inheritance Act, taking account of the compulsory share and your wishes.
Lifetime transfer and succession agreements
A lifelong-support contract, a transfer agreement, a preužitek arrangement (a reserved lifetime benefit under Slovenian law), and other arrangements for transferring assets during one's lifetime.
A plan for transferring assets
We align the inheritance and tax aspects and, where a company is involved, connect this with business succession.
Probate proceedings
Representation at the probate hearing and in related non-contentious proceedings.
Inheritance disputes
Asserting or defending the compulsory share, challenging a will, and disputes over the scope and division of the estate.
Real estate and shares within the estate
Coordinating the transfer of ownership and entries in the relevant registers.
An orderly transfer of assets protects both family relationships and the value of the estate.
Without a will, inheritance follows the law, which often does not match the deceased's actual wishes. Disregarding the compulsory share can lead to a challenge and a dispute. For larger estates that combine a company, ownership interests or real estate, arranging matters in advance and reaching clear agreements is the best protection against drawn-out disputes between heirs. An orderly transfer of assets preserves both value and family relationships.
A well-arranged estate is an act of care, not a formality.
Tjaša Ozimek
She leads the firm's private wealth and inheritance practice, advises on wills, lifetime transfer arrangements and the transfer of assets, and represents clients in probate proceedings and inheritance disputes, with particular experience in handling larger estates comprising diverse asset classes.
View profile →Inheritance: frequently asked questions
Do I need a will if I have a family?
Not necessarily, but without one inheritance follows the statutory order of succession, which may not match your wishes. With a will you decide who receives your assets and on what terms, within the rules on the compulsory share.
What is the compulsory share?
A statutorily protected minimum share of the estate that passes to the compulsory heirs regardless of the will. A will that disregards it may be subject to a claim to reduce the dispositions.
How do probate proceedings work?
The court initiates probate proceedings ex officio, invites the heirs to a probate hearing and issues a decision on inheritance. If the facts are disputed, it refers the parties to civil litigation. Representation is worthwhile especially in a dispute, or where the estate combines diverse asset classes.
What is the best way to transfer assets during one's lifetime?
It depends on the objective and the relationships; the options include a gift, a transfer agreement, a lifelong-support contract or, where the transfer is intended to take effect after death, a will. Each has different legal and tax consequences, so we assess them together.
Is inheritance tax payable in Slovenia?
Heirs of the first order of succession, such as a spouse and children, are as a rule exempt; for other heirs, rates apply according to the order of succession and the value of the estate. We check the specific position for each case.
Related insights
How to write a will: forms, conditions and common mistakes
The forms of will recognised under Slovenian law, the conditions for validity, the role of the compulsory share, and the mistakes that lead to challenges.
Read more →Inheritance without a will: intestate succession and the order of heirs
How inheritance without a will works, the statutory order of heirs, who inherits and how much, and why it is worth settling matters with a will.
Read more →