������Ƶ

An Estate Letter helps Swiss residents document and communicate their wishes about how to handle their assets and personal affairs after death. It's a less formal alternative to a full will, though it still carries legal weight under Swiss inheritance law.

Unlike standard wills that require notarization, Estate Letters can be handwritten and signed without witnesses. They're particularly useful for straightforward estates or as temporary arrangements until creating a formal will. Swiss courts recognize these letters when they clearly express the writer's intentions and meet basic legal requirements like being dated and signed.

Use an Estate Letter when you need a quick way to document your wishes for property and assets in Switzerland, but don't have time to create a formal will right away. It's particularly valuable during major life changes like marriage, having children, or buying property when you want immediate protection while planning a more detailed testament.

The letter works well for simple estates or as a temporary solution during international moves to Switzerland. Many people create one while settling into Swiss residency, especially when their assets are straightforward and mainly located within the country. It offers basic protection until you can arrange more comprehensive estate planning.

• Basic Asset Letter: Lists primary assets and beneficiaries, ideal for simple estates with clear inheritance plans
• Family Distribution Letter: Details specific gifts and items for family members, including personal belongings and heirlooms
• Business Succession Letter: Outlines plans for transferring business interests or shares to designated heirs
• International Assets Letter: Addresses property and accounts held outside Switzerland, coordinating with foreign inheritance laws
• Charitable Giving Letter: Specifies donations to Swiss charitable organizations and foundations after death

• Swiss Residents: Anyone living in Switzerland can create an Estate Letter to document their final wishes, especially useful for those with straightforward assets
• Family Members: Spouses, children, and other relatives who need to understand inheritance plans and their roles as beneficiaries
• Legal Advisors: Help clients draft and review Estate Letters to ensure they meet Swiss legal requirements
• Estate Executors: Carry out the instructions outlined in the Estate Letter after the writer's death
• Swiss Courts: Review and validate Estate Letters during probate proceedings when necessary

• Asset Inventory: Make a detailed list of your property, bank accounts, investments, and valuable personal items
• Beneficiary Details: Gather full names and contact information for all intended heirs and beneficiaries
• Clear Instructions: Write specific directions about who receives what assets, avoiding vague language
• Personal Information: Include your full legal name, current address, and Swiss residency status
• Format Requirements: Use blue ink for handwriting, date each page, and sign at the bottom
• Safe Storage: Keep the original in a secure location and inform trusted family members where to find it

• Personal Details: Full legal name, current Swiss address, and date of birth must appear at the top
• Clear Intent: An explicit statement that this document expresses your final wishes for asset distribution
• Asset Description: Specific identification of property and belongings being distributed
• Beneficiary Information: Complete names and relationships of all intended recipients
• Distribution Terms: Precise instructions for how assets should be divided
• Date and Location: Place and date of writing must be clearly stated
• Signature: Your handwritten signature on each page, with the final signature at the bottom

The main difference between an Estate Letter and a Letter of Administration lies in their timing and legal authority. While both documents deal with estate matters, they serve distinct purposes in Swiss inheritance law.

• Creation Timing: Estate Letters are written during life by the asset owner, while Letters of Administration are issued after death by Swiss courts
• Legal Authority: Estate Letters express personal wishes informally, whereas Letters of Administration grant official legal power to manage the deceased's estate
• Formality Level: Estate Letters can be handwritten without witnesses, but Letters of Administration require court approval and official documentation
• Primary Purpose: Estate Letters guide asset distribution, while Letters of Administration empower administrators to legally handle estate matters