In addition to drawing up a will, there are also cases in which it is better to conclude a contract of inheritance. You can also determine the transfer of your assets in an inheritance contract. The difference between this and a will is that in an inheritance contract you enter into a commitment vis-à-vis the contracting party. Normally, you can only break away from this if you conclude a termination agreement with the contracting parties of the inheritance contract.

The contracting parties need not be married, related or related by marriage. The parties can consist of several persons on both sides.

Inheritance contracts are frequently concluded in non-marital partnerships. Since persons living together in this form, unlike spouses or civil partners, have no statutory right of inheritance, the survivor can be provided with a secure legal position in this way.

An inheritance contract can also be used, for example, to oblige the other party to provide for the testator until the end of his or her life in return for the inheritance.

An inheritance contract can also serve the continuation of a business. If, for example, the daughter of a tradesman is only prepared to work in her father's business if she becomes the sole heir, this can be regulated in an inheritance contract..