Inheritance disputes are on the rise in Denmark, often because families fail to handle estate planning before it’s too late. A Danish inheritance lawyer urges everyone to act now and avoid painful conflicts later.
When families fight over inheritance
Writing a will is rarely a comfortable topic. Yet, Danish inheritance lawyer Therése Kemp says it is one of the most important steps adults can take. Over her years of practice, she has seen countless families torn apart after a loved one’s death. In her experience, many of these conflicts could have been avoided through clear planning and honest communication.
Even though making a will doesn’t guarantee harmony, it can at least prevent much of the chaos that often erupts when expectations differ. Kemp often sees relatives treating the deceased’s money as their own, leading to emotional and financial battles that last years.
How common are wills in Denmark?
In Denmark, the number of people creating wills has increased in recent years. In 2025 alone, official data show more than 105,000 wills were notarized and registered — a sharp rise compared to previous years. Still, surveys suggest that only about one in four Danes has a valid will.
A national poll found that only 18 percent of adults have prepared any formal documents to manage their estate after death. Many assume they have plenty of time, but as Kemp stresses, no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. She encourages people to handle it now, not later.
Interestingly, the topic made its way into pop culture when TV host Anders Lund Madsen and his wife openly discussed their own estate planning in a Danish television program. Their experience, with guidance from inheritance lawyer Kemp, showed viewers how complex — yet liberating — such conversations can be.
Why inheritance often causes conflict
From what many lawyers observe, several common surprises trigger family disputes. First, few realize how much Danish inheritance law favors the surviving spouse. A widow or widower can often claim nearly all household items, which sometimes shocks adult children when a new partner enters the picture.
Second, inherited money automatically becomes part of joint property unless specified otherwise. Without a proper will, a divorce could force an heir to split inherited funds with an ex-spouse.
Finally, all children inherit equally, regardless of personal relationships or emotional distance. The law doesn’t account for family disagreements or years of estrangement. That means even a child who hasn’t spoken to the parent for decades is still entitled to the same share.
What to include in a will
To avoid these pitfalls, Kemp advises people to clearly outline how assets should be divided and to explain the reasoning behind those decisions. Including brief notes about sentimental items can help prevent emotional misunderstandings among children and relatives.
Key topics to consider include how inheritance should be distributed, whether a child’s inheritance should remain separate from their marriage, and whether to delay access to the money until a specific age. Parents of minor children should also decide who will care for them if both parents pass away.
Kemp’s message is simple: discuss these issues openly. It makes things easier for the family in the long run.
How to begin estate planning
Anyone can start by reviewing their financial situation — savings, property, and debts. The next step is to meet with a professional. Lawyers typically charge around 5,000 Danish kroner to prepare a will, but prices vary depending on complexity.
Online templates exist but come with risks. Many people misunderstand the questions and end up creating documents that do not reflect their real intentions. Once registered, such mistakes are difficult or even impossible to correct after death.
Because inheritance law can be complicated, consulting with an experienced attorney is often worth the cost. Those who live abroad or have international assets can also benefit from guidance, as shown in resources like best inheritance lawyers in Denmark for foreigners.
Meanwhile, discussions about complex life decisions often reflect the emotional depth seen in Danish storytelling, such as the international success of actors like Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, who brought Danish drama to a global audience. Both the arts and the law remind people how powerfully emotions and choices shape life’s transitions.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Birgitte Hjort Sørensen: Danish Drama to Hollywood
The Danish Dream: Best inheritance lawyers in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Advokat ser de samme stridspunkter om arv igen og igen – her er hendes bedste råd til at undgå dem
