Planning for the future and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes is a crucial part of responsible estate management. At CleridesLegal, our experienced team of wills and succession lawyers is committed to providing comprehensive legal support tailored to your individual needs. Whether your estate is simple or complex, we guide you through the legal intricacies with clarity and compassion.
A Will is a legally binding document that outlines how you wish your assets to be distributed after your death. It specifies:
- Beneficiaries – the individuals or entities who will inherit from your estate.
- Inheritance Details – what each beneficiary will receive, whether it’s property, money, or personal possessions.
- Executor Appointment – the person you nominate to manage your estate, ensuring that your wishes are carried out, debts are settled, and assets are distributed correctly.
Creating a Will gives you control over your legacy, helps avoid disputes among heirs, and ensures your estate is handled according to your wishes.
You should definitely consider making a will in Cyprus if:
- You own property or assets in Cyprus
Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Cyprus intestacy laws, which might not reflect your wishes.
- You are a non-Cypriot living or owning property in Cyprus
EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV) allows expats to choose the law of their nationality to govern their estate in Cyprus. This choice must be made explicitly in a will.
- You want to leave your estate to specific individuals
Cyprus has forced heirship laws for Cypriot citizens (some parts of your estate must go to close relatives like spouses or children). A will helps clarify what happens to the rest.
- You want to appoint a guardian for minor children
A will allows you to name guardians if both parents pass away.
- You want to reduce family disputes or delays
Having a clear will speeds up the probate process and reduces the chance of disputes.
When a Will Might Not Be Strictly Necessary
A will might not be required if:
- You are a Cypriot citizen with no special wishes and If you choose not to make a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of Cyprus—meaning the law will determine who inherits your assets, regardless of your personal wishes.
- Your estate is small and straightforward, and you have no minor dependents or property abroad
- You’ve already used other estate planning tools (like joint ownership or trusts) that make a will less relevant.
If a person is not able to make a Cyprus Will dealing with their entire estate, or if they are able to do so but decide not to, then the assets are subject to the Cyprus Succession Law and will pass according to the “forced heirship” rules.
Cyprus has a complicated system of inheritance which effectively reserves a certain portion of the estate which must pass according to the rules.