When is a will invalid under Czech law?
A will is invalid if it does not meet the statutory form, if the testator lacked capacity, or if it was made under duress or fraud. A holographic will must be entirely handwritten and signed. A will written by someone else needs two witnesses. Missing formalities are the most common reason wills are struck down.
The Civil Code recognises several forms of will. A holographic will (Section 1533) must be written and signed in the testator's own hand. A will not written by the testator (Section 1534) must be signed before two witnesses who confirm the document is the testator's will.
A will can also be made as a notarial deed, which is the most secure form and is registered in the Central Register of Wills.
Common grounds for invalidity include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence or duress, and formal defects such as a missing signature or too few witnesses.
This text is general and informative and is drawn from publicly available laws of the Czech Republic. It does not replace individual legal advice from an advocate. Before deciding a specific matter, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer.