The Veltins' million-dollar inheritance: dispute over compulsory share finally ended!

The Veltins' million-dollar inheritance: dispute over compulsory share finally ended!

The inheritance dispute over the Veltins brewery family's inheritance of millions is over. Reported on November 28, 2025 WDR that the Hamm Higher Regional Court has legally dismissed Carl Clemens Veltins' lawsuit against the will of his mother, who disinherited him. The Arnsberg regional court had already clearly decided in June that the claims of the former brewery boss would not be accepted. This means that the long and complex legal disputes over the compulsory portion are officially over.

Carl Clemens Veltins had waived his compulsory share and, it appears, noticed this too late. His lawyer confirmed that no further legal action would be taken. The application for legal aid to cover the court costs of over 362,000 euros was also rejected by the Hamm Higher Regional Court. The judge's reasoning: The lawsuit has little chance of success and the regional court's clear reasoning.

What happens to the compulsory portion?

The compulsory portion plays a central role in inheritance disputes, especially if a person is disinherited. Loud Inheritance law guide A person entitled to a compulsory portion, i.e. a descendant, spouse or parent, has a legal right to inheritance replacement in accordance with Section 2303 of the German Civil Code (BGB). If he is excluded from the inheritance, he is entitled to half the value of the legal share of the inheritance.

It is important to know that this claim expires after three years, namely from the end of the calendar year in which the person entitled to the compulsory portion becomes aware of the inheritance and disinheritance. In the case of Carl Clemens Veltins, these claims had already expired in 2012. He can no longer dispose of the claims previously asserted.

The importance of the statute of limitations

The limitation period for compulsory portion claims is as well Specialist lawyer explained, three years. This period also begins at the end of the calendar year in which the person concerned learns of the disinheritance. It is important to know all the details. If, for example, there are uncertainties about the knowledge, it may be that the limitation period even extends beyond the usual limit and can last up to 30 years.

For many, such a dispute is particularly stressful, not only financially but also emotionally. The Veltins case clearly shows how important it is to take care of all legal aspects at an early stage and, if in doubt, to seek professional advice. The path through the legal shoals can be long and rocky, and sometimes all that remains at the end is the realization that a good lawyer is worth his weight in gold.