Document background
The Joint Survivorship Deed is a crucial estate planning tool under German law, typically used by married couples who wish to ensure their property passes smoothly to the surviving spouse and then to agreed-upon beneficiaries. This document type is particularly relevant when couples own substantial assets, have complex family situations, or hold international property. The Joint Survivorship Deed must be carefully drafted to comply with German Civil Code requirements and often requires notarization. It includes detailed provisions about property disposition, mutual inheritance rights, and subsequent inheritance arrangements. The binding nature of this document makes it essential for couples to carefully consider their long-term plans, as modifications generally require both spouses' consent while living. For international couples or those with assets abroad, the deed must also account for EU succession regulations and potential cross-border implications.
