What Is The Statutory Portion Of An Inheritance?

Any person, provided that certain conditions are met, can draft a Will, i.e. a written statement expressing his intentions in regards to how his assets and estate are to be disposed after his/her death. It is to be noted that in Cyprus, the part of the estate that can be disposed through a will is subject to restrictions. Hence, the inheritance is divided in a statutory and a disposable portion.

• Statutory portion is the part of the estate that cannot be disposed through a will;
• Disposable portion is on the other hand the part of the estate that can be disposed freely through a will without restrictions.

It is to be noted that in case of surviving relatives, the totality of the estate cannot be disposed by will. The Wills and Succession Law (Cap. 195) provides for a statutory portion that will have to be passed according to the forced heirship rules.