Making A Will In Guernsey

INTRODUCTION

On 2 April 2012 The Inheritance (Guernsey) Law 2011 came into force which has replaced Guernsey's forced heirship regime with a system of full testamentary freedom (accompanied by family and dependent provisions).

Any individual who currently has a will executed before 2 April 2012 should be aware that any forced heirship provisions will be preserved unless they execute a new will or codicil incorporating the new provisions or unless their will stipulated that the new provisions should apply.

It is now, more than ever, important for those who do not have wills to record their wishes to ensure that assets are left to the correct beneficiaries.

This booklet highlights the key issues that any individual domiciled in Guernsey and/ or owning Guernsey real estate should consider when drawing up a will. It also highlights foreign wills for non-resident/ non-domiciled individuals holding assets in Guernsey.