[Glossary](https://pecuvo.eu/en/glossary/) · Pensions and insurance # Will **In short:** A will is a document in which a person decides what should happen to their property after their death, within the limits allowed by law. **Simply put:** Without a will, property is inherited under the law — by the closest relatives. With a will you can arrange things as you wish, but the form and limits are set by national law. In the EU, Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 decides which country's law applies to a cross-border inheritance; you may choose the law of your nationality. **Example:** A widower with a €120,000 flat and €20,000 in savings wants the savings to go towards his granddaughter's education. He consults a notary and makes a will in the form the law requires. **Watch out:** Exact rules, deadlines and fees — only from a notary or lawyer. This is a map, not legal advice. > **Example: Bulgaria** — A will is either handwritten or notarised (Inheritance Act). Without a will, the estate passes by law — who inherits depends on how close the relationship is (children, spouse, parents, brothers and sisters — Inheritance Act, Art. 5–9). > > **Check in your country** — The European e-Justice Portal has a "Succession" page for every EU country. **Source:** *Your Europe*, "Managing an inheritance" — https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/family/inheritances/managing-inheritance/index_en.htm · European e-Justice Portal, "Succession — Bulgaria" — https://e-justice.europa.eu/topics/family-matters-inheritance/inheritance/succession/bg_bg ## In depth in the modules - [Module 15](https://pecuvo.eu/en/modules/life-strategies-by-stage/) ## Related terms - [Inheritance](https://pecuvo.eu/en/glossary/inheritance/) - [Power of attorney](https://pecuvo.eu/en/glossary/power-of-attorney/) - [Individual pension account](https://pecuvo.eu/en/glossary/individual-pension-account/)