The executor of a will, often referred to as the personal representative, is an individual appointed by the person who made the will (the testator) to carry out their wishes after their passing. The primary role of the executor is to administer the deceased person’s estate according to the terms outlined in the will.

The duration of probate proceedings in Cyprus can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the presence of a valid will, and any potential legal complications. Generally, the probate process in Cyprus may take several months to a year to complete.

Yes, Cyprus recognizes different types of wills, each with its specific legal requirements. The main types include:

• Formal Wills: Prepared and executed by formal legal procedures, typically drafted by a lawyer and signed in the presence of witnesses.
• Holographic Wills: Written entirely in the hand of the testator (the person making the will), dated, and signed, without the need for witnesses. These are accepted under certain conditions.
• Oral Wills: Permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as during a person’s last illness or in imminent danger of death, and must be made in the presence of two witnesses.

If you die without a will in Cyprus, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy set out in Cypriot law. These rules prioritize close relatives in a specific order: spouse, children, parents, and so on. Dying intestate may result in your assets not being distributed as you might have wished, highlighting the importance of having a valid will.

Cyprus law includes provisions for forced heirship, which means certain family members (such as spouses and children) are entitled to a portion of your estate, regardless of the contents of your will. However, there are specific circumstances under which you may limit the inheritance of these heirs, but completely disinheriting them is challenging without valid legal grounds. It’s essential to seek legal advice to explore your options.

Wills made abroad are generally recognized in Cyprus, provided they comply with the legal requirements of the country where they were made, and as long as they do not conflict with Cypriot law regarding the mandatory portions for certain heirs. For the will to be executed in Cyprus, it may need to undergo a validation process in the Cypriot courts.

In Cyprus, any person over the age of 18 who is of sound mind can make a will. This ensures that individuals have the autonomy to decide how their assets should be distributed after their death, subject to certain legal restrictions such as forced heirship rules.

You can amend or revoke your will at any time in Cyprus. Amendments can be made through a supplementary document known as a codicil, which must be executed with the same formalities as the original will. To revoke a will, you can either create a new will that explicitly states it revokes all previous wills or physically destroy the original will to revoke it. It’s crucial to consult with a legal professional when amending or revoking a will to ensure your intentions are clearly documented and legally valid.