Wills

vasiyetnameler If you have a holiday home, car, money or other property in Northern Cyprus, your property will be transferred after you. You may consider making a valid will in Northern Cyprus to ensure distribution is made according to your wishes and to avoid avoidable difficulties that may occur to your loved ones. If you already have a will made in a foreign country, this will may not cover your assets in Northern Cyprus or may not be valid due to different laws.

When you buy a home or other property, get married, divorce, have a child, or lose a member of your immediate family, your heirs' rights to your property may change.

According to the inheritance laws of Northern Cyprus, your spouse and children may have reserved shares in your property. This means that you may not bequeath less than the protected percentage of your property to those heirs whose rights are protected.

Whether your heirs have protected rights over your property may vary depending on your nationality and the status of your ancestors.

If you already have a will, it may be important to make a new will or amend and update your existing will to accurately reflect your wishes.

We can help you evaluate your changing circumstances and amend your will or prepare a new will that better reflects your wishes.

When someone dies, in addition to the difficulties brought by the loss, there may also be some difficulties in distributing and transferring the deceased's property to his heirs. This situation may cause some unwanted disagreements or, in some cases, a rift between family members.

Making your inheritance plan in a timely manner will help your heirs avoid these difficulties.

If you want your property and belongings to remain with your loved ones as you would prefer, we can help you design an inheritance plan the way you want. If there is no valid will, your property and belongings will be distributed in accordance with the legal legislation in force on the relevant dates.

It is prepared in accordance with the Wills and Inheritance Law (Chapter 195) and other relevant legal legislation. Wills are prepared in English, in addition to Turkish, upon request. After the will is prepared, it is delivered and recorded to the relevant District Court Registrar's Office to be sealed and kept until opened.

SIMPLE GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL IN NORTHERN CYPRUS

Is it necessary to make a Will in Northern Cyprus?

It’s not required by law, but if you own property in Northern Cyprus, it’s highly recommended to make a separate Will. This ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and helps prevent disputes or complications with authorities.

What happens if I die without a Will (intestate)?

If you die intestate, your estate will be divided among your legal heirs. Typically, your surviving spouse will receive 1/6, and the remaining 5/6 will go to your legitimate children. If you are not married but living with a partner, your partner will not automatically inherit anything from your estate.

What does your estate include?

Immovable property (even if the title deed is not in your name yet)
Vehicles
Bank accounts solely in your name
Company shares
Jewellery or other valuable or sentimental possessions

What should you consider when preparing your Will?

If both you and your spouse/partner die together, how would you want your estate to be distributed?
The Will you make in Northern Cyprus will only apply to your assets located there.

What information do you need to provide for your Will?

Full names and current addresses of all beneficiaries
A copy of the title deed for any property you own or have purchased
Names of the banks where you hold sole bank accounts
Copies of vehicle log books

Is there anything else to consider?

Appointment of Executor(s): It’s advisable to appoint an executor who is a resident of Northern Cyprus. Keep in mind that the executor may need the assistance of a lawyer, especially due to language or logistical issues.
If your family members are not interested in your Northern Cyprus assets, you might want to include instructions for the executor(s) to sell your immovable property and distribute the proceeds accordingly.
Will Registration: Northern Cyprus residents should register their Will with the Probate Registry at the District Court. The Probate Registrar will review the Will to ensure that all legal requirements are met, which reduces the risk of the Will being contested in the future.

For More Help

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Tel: +90 392 2288001
Fax: +90 392 228009
Web: www.sertbaylaw.com