A last will and testament or inheritance contract often contains provisions that differ from those stipulated by law. In an inheritance contract, two or more persons contractually undertake to bequeath their inheritance or a share thereof to each other or in a specific manner (Art. 494 para. 1 of the Swiss Civil Code). The inheritance contract can only be amended or revoked with the consent and cooperation of all contracting parties. In the case of a will, on the other hand, the testator may decide unilaterally at any time whether they wish to revoke or amend the will.
The question often arises as to whether the obligations under the inheritance contract restrict the disposing person in the use of their assets during their lifetime or upon death.
