Slovenia

Registering and searching for wills

•  What are the forms of will in Slovenia?

– the notarial will, drawn up by a civil law notary in a form of an notarial act, signed by the testator and two witnesses.

– the judicial will, drawn up by a municipal court.

– the international will, signed before two witnesses and a civil law notary, by a municipal court or by a consulate body

– the allographic (or “before witnesses”) will, signed by the testator and two witnesses.

– the holographic will, written, dated and signed by the testator himself.

•  Does a register of wills exist in Slovenia?

Yes, there is a register, administered by the Chamber of Notaries of Slovenia. The registration and search of wills is carried out electronically trough the central register web page.

• Why register a will?

All wills are not necessarily recorded in the register (for example, a holographic will can be kept at home). However, a will which is not found is deemed to be a non-existent will.

This is why it is recommended that the will is recorded in the register. In this way, the testator can be sure that his last wishes will be found and therefore respected following his death.

•  Who can carry out the registration?

The civil law notary, the judge or the lawyer can register wills. In effect, although it is possible to draw up a will oneself, the assistance of a law professional, in particular a civil law notary, is particularly valuable since he is a specialist in the matter. His advice shall thus enable to draw up a will which respects the law and which therefore does not run the risk of being declared null and void.

It is not the content of the will which is registered in the register but the information which enables the will to be found.

•  Who keeps the will?

The civil law notary may keep the public and private wills handed over to him by the testator, as well as a lawyer, or a court.

•  Can the testator’s family members consult the register while he is still alive?

No, the existence of a will and its content shall remain a secret during the entire life of the testator.

•  How much does it cost to register a will?

The registration of a will costs 41€.

•  Who may query the register of wills?

Upon the death of the testator, the family of the deceased may consult the register of wills themselves or through a civil law notary or judge. This query is obligatory as it ensures that the last wishes of the testator are respected.

•  Is it necessary to provide a death certificate?

Yes, the testator’s family must provide a death certificate in order to be able to carry out a search. This measure enables to ensure that the existence of the will remains secret throughout the testator’s life.

• How much does a search cost?

A search in the Slovenian register costs 23€.

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