Testamentary Guardianship in Westland
Testamentary guardianship allows parents in Westland to designate a trusted person as guardian for their minor children in their will upon death. This is crucial for families in the heart of the Netherlands' greenhouse horticulture industry, where parents want to specify their care preferences rather than relying on default rules. Contact Het Juridisch Loket Westland for personalized advice on parental authority and child protection.
Legal Basis in Westland
For residents of the Municipality of Westland, testamentary guardianship is governed by Book 1, Title 15 of the Civil Code (CC). Article 1:307 CC allows the surviving parent to appoint a testamentary guardian in a notarial will for children under 18. This aligns with parental responsibility (Article 1:247 CC).
Without such an appointment, the sub-district judge of the Rechtbank Westland steps in (Article 1:309 CC). Approval is required if the appointing parent lacks authority (Article 1:308 CC), and wills must be notarial (Article 4:39 CC). The 1956 legislation was incorporated into the Civil Code in 1992, prioritizing the child's best interests in line with the UNCRC (Article 3).
Testamentary Guardianship in Westland Practice
In Westland, start with a local notary to draft your will, designating a family member from Naaldwijk or a friend from 's-Gravenzande, possibly with alternates. Upon death, the guardian takes effect automatically (Article 1:310 CC) but must file a request with the Rechtbank Westland within one month for approval based on the child's best interests.
In cases of both parents' death, the guardian collaborates with a co-guardian (Article 1:312 CC). For unmarried partners, court approval is needed for non-custodial parents.
Differences with Other Guardianship Forms in Westland
Here's an overview in the Westland context:
| Guardianship Type | Description | Application | Procedure at Rechtbank Westland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testamentary guardianship | Parents select guardian in will | Death of parent(s) | Will + confirmation by Rechtbank Westland |
| Statutory guardianship | Automatic for partner/joint authority | Death of one parent | None, unless dispute |
| Extraordinary guardianship | Court appoints guardian | No will or conflict | Request to sub-district judge |
Read more in our article on Guardianship in Westland.
Westland Examples
A mother from Poeldijk appoints her brother as guardian for her children in the greenhouse family business. In the event of an accident, he assumes care and inheritance, avoiding foster care.
Married parents from Monster designate a friend. After a car accident, the Rechtbank Westland approves it; he handles school and finances, with permission required for major decisions.
For separated parents, conflicts may arise; the court assesses the child's best interests, possibly with a hearing from age 12 (Article 1:377 CC).
Rights and Duties of the Guardian in Westland
The testamentary guardian in Westland has responsibilities with safeguards:
- Care and upbringing: Daily decisions on school, healthcare, and residence (Article 1:313 CC).
- Finances: Asset management with annual accounts to the Rechtbank Westland (Article 1:318 CC); major expenditures require approval.
- Representation: Acting on behalf of the child in legal proceedings.
- Duties: Prioritize the child's best interests, avoid conflicts, and report. The guardian may request discharge from the Rechtbank Westland. Consult Het Juridisch Loket Westland for support.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wie erft zonder testament?
Zonder testament erven partner en kinderen eerst. Als geen partner of kinderen: ouders, broers/zussen, etc. volgen de wettelijke erfrechtsregels.
Kan ik alles aan één kind geven?
Ja, je mag met een testament bepalen wie erft. Kinderen hebben echter soms wettelijk recht op een verplicht deel.
Moet ik erfbelasting betalen?
Erfbelasting hangt af van je relatie tot de overledene en de erfenis grootte. Naasten betalen vaak minder.
Hoe lang duurt een erfopvolgingsprocedure?
Dit kan variëren van enkele maanden tot meer dan een jaar, afhankelijk van de complexiteit.
Kan ik een erfenis weigeren?
Ja, je kunt een erfenis weigeren. Dit moet snel na het overlijden schriftelijk aan de rechter worden gemeld.