Publication date: 06.10.2025
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Making a Will in Ukraine: How to Draw Up a Will Correctly
Introduction
In modern Ukraine, drawing up a will is becoming increasingly important. People are thinking about how to secure their family’s future and ensure their property is transferred legally and fairly.
A will in Ukraine (also called a testament) is a legal document that determines who will inherit your property after your death. However, many people do not know how to draw up a will, how to write a will, or what the cost of a will might be.
This article explains step by step how to make a will, what documents are required, and how professional legal assistance can protect your interests.
What Is a Will and Why Is It Important
Before you start making a will, it’s essential to understand what a will is.
A will (or testament) is a written declaration of your intentions regarding your property and assets in the event of your death. It ensures that your belongings are distributed according to your wishes rather than by the state’s inheritance laws.
Key reasons to make a will:
- You decide exactly who inherits what.
- You reduce the risk of disputes among relatives.
- You can include not only family members but also friends or charitable organizations.
- You provide financial stability or guardianship for dependents.
Our legal experts will help you write a will correctly, ensuring that it fully complies with Ukrainian law and cannot be challenged in court.
How to Draw Up a Will: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to make a will in Ukraine involves several important steps:
- Prepare the necessary documents.
You’ll need your passport, tax identification number, and ownership documents for any property or assets. - Identify your beneficiaries.
You can name any person or organization, not just relatives. Be sure to include full details to avoid confusion. - Draft the text.
The document must clearly state who receives what property and under what conditions. Ambiguous wording can cause legal issues later. - Notarization.
A will must be certified by a notary. Without notarization, the document has no legal force in Ukraine. - Storage and registration.
Once notarized, the will is registered in the Unified Register of Wills. The original is kept by the notary, and you can store a copy at home.
Avoid online templates — only a qualified lawyer understands the legal nuances of writing a will and can help you avoid invalid or unclear provisions.
The Cost and Price of a Will in Ukraine
People often ask about the price of a will or the cost of a will in Ukraine. The total amount depends on several factors:
- the type of will (simple, secret, or joint);
- the number of beneficiaries and assets involved;
- whether you use a public or private notary.
- On average, the cost of a will ranges between 400. If additional consultations or document reviews are required, the total fee may be higher.
To ensure legal accuracy and protection, our law firm — with over 10 years of experience in inheritance law — offers full assistance in drawing up a will and notarizing it properly.
Get a consultation now to find out exactly what steps you need to take and how much it will cost.
Common Mistakes When Making a Will
Even small errors in making a will can make it invalid. The most common mistakes include:
- not notarizing the document;
- unclear or contradictory wording;
- missing date or signature;
- incorrect beneficiary information.
To avoid such issues, rely on professional legal help. Our lawyers know precisely how to write a will in accordance with the Civil Code of Ukraine and ensure it meets all legal standards.
Types of Wills in Ukraine
Understanding the main types of wills helps determine which form suits your needs best. Ukrainian law recognizes several types of testaments:
- Ordinary (open) will.
The most common form. The notary knows the contents of the document, and the testator declares their wishes in person. - Secret will.
Only the testator knows its content. The document is sealed and delivered to a notary, who cannot open it until after the testator’s death. - Joint will of spouses.
Married couples can make a joint testament that determines what happens to their shared property. It becomes valid only after the death of both spouses. - Emergency will.
In special circumstances (e.g., during war, hospitalization, or natural disasters), a will can be made without a notary. However, it must later be verified by a notary once normal conditions return.
Choosing the right type of will depends on your personal circumstances. Our specialists will advise you on how to make a will correctly and help prepare all required documents quickly and legally.
How to Write a Will: Practical Legal Advice
While anyone can technically write a will, the wording and structure are crucial. Each clause carries legal weight, and a poorly written phrase can cause disputes or even invalidation.
Professional tips from our inheritance lawyers with over ten years of experience:
- Be precise and specific. Avoid vague expressions such as “everything I own.” Clearly list assets and beneficiaries.
- Include backup beneficiaries. You can specify alternative heirs in case a primary beneficiary refuses or passes away.
- Provide for dependents. You can assign guardianship or financial support for minors or disabled relatives.
- Review and update regularly. You can change or cancel your testament anytime.
- Don’t postpone it. Making a will is not about age — it’s about responsibility and planning.
Our law firm offers professional assistance in every stage of drawing up a will — from initial consultation to final notarization.
Contact us today to ensure your will is written correctly and legally binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Can I make a will without a notary?
Answer
Normally, no. In Ukraine, a will must be notarized to have legal force. Exceptions apply only in emergency circumstances, which must later be confirmed by a notary.
Question
Can I change or cancel my will?
Answer
Yes. You may revoke or modify your testament at any time by visiting a notary. The new document automatically overrides the previous one.
Question
What happens if I die without making a will?
Answer
If there is no will, property is distributed among relatives according to the law (statutory inheritance). This often causes disputes, so it’s best to make a will in advance.
Question
How much does a will cost in Ukraine?
Answer
The price of a will depends on complexity and region. In 2025, the cost of a will at a private notary usually ranges from 400
Question
What assets can be included in a will?
Answer
Any property you legally own — apartments, land, vehicles, businesses, or bank accounts — can be included in a testament.
Legal Assistance in Drawing Up a Will
Our law firm specializes in inheritance and estate planning. We provide:
- expert advice on how to draw up a will or how to write a will that meets all legal requirements;
- document review and preparation;
- personalized drafting based on your family situation;
- complete notarial support.
Why clients choose us:
- Over 10 years of experience in inheritance law;
- Confidential and accurate legal work;
- Guaranteed compliance with Ukrainian regulations;
- Transparent pricing and client support at every stage.
Don’t risk the future of your loved ones — let professionals handle making a will for you.
Leave a request now and get expert help with drawing up a will in Ukraine safely and efficiently.
Making a will is one of the most responsible legal decisions you can take. It ensures your property goes to the right people and prevents family conflicts.
If you’re uncertain how to write a will or how to make a will properly, consult our experienced lawyers. We’ll help prepare all necessary documents and guide you through the notarial process.
Get a legal consultation today — secure your assets and protect your family’s future with confidence.
