~ Legal professionals, some questions/answers to assist you ~

• When the existence of a will has been established, who has to be contacted to obtain information about its content?

Information on the content of the will is sent by the notary responsible for settling the succession. This can be either the notary holding the will or a different notary, whose contact details can be provided by the notary holding the will. The notary holding the will can be located by making a search of the Belgian Register of Wills, in particular via the European Network of Registers of Wills (ENRW).

• Who is entitled to receive the information?

The information contained in the will, and if necessary a copy of the will itself, can be sent to public authorities, legal professionals responsible for settling the succession, wherever they are located, and, more generally, any person with a legitimate interest. Evidence of this interest must be provided. According to Belgian law, “interested persons” are the legal heirs, legatees and persons deprived of their rights by the will. Only the information or extract from the will directly concerning them will be disclosed.

• Is there a particular procedure to be followed? If so, which one?

For the information contained in the will, or a copy of the will itself, to be communicated, the will must have been opened in accordance with Belgian law.

• By what means can the information be sent?

The information contained in the will and/or a copy of the will are sent by post or electronically.

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