By Morten Thunø, replik.dk
The latest figures from Tinglysningsretten reveal a significant increase in the number of wills being made by Danes. In just two years, the numbers have soared from nearly 51,000 wills in 2023 to over 111,000 in 2025. According to the legal consultancy Replik, this notable rise is due in part to new family structures with blended families, greater awareness among young people, and an increasing number of elderly Danes.
More and more Danes are choosing to plan how their inheritance will be distributed among their loved ones once they are no longer here.
A Record Number of Wills in Denmark
Recent data from Tinglysningsretten shows that in 2025, Denmark saw an unprecedented number of wills being made. A total of 111,062 wills were drafted last year, compared to 50,799 in 2023 and 86,593 in 2024. This means the number of wills has doubled in just two years. According to the legal consultancy Replik, this trend signals a fundamental shift in how Danes approach inheritance and family matters.
– We are seeing many more Danes now view making a will as an active choice rather than something to delay until the last stage of life. It’s largely about deciding in good time and ensuring the inheritance is allocated according to their wishes, especially when family situations are more complex than in the past, explains Chief Legal Advisor Katrine Lindgaard Pedersen from Replik.
– Overall, people are living longer, which means there are more individuals contemplating their mortality. Therefore, I believe more are prioritizing getting their affairs in order and managing what they leave behind, adds the chief legal advisor as she delves into the reasons behind this explosive trend.
"It’s largely about deciding in good time and ensuring the inheritance is allocated according to their wishes, especially when family situations are more complex than in the past"
Reasons for the Explosive Increase in the Number of Wills
One of the main reasons for this rise is that standard inheritance laws don’t necessarily fit new and modern family structures, such as blended families, divorces, and stepchildren. Here, a will is crucial to ensure the desired distribution.
– In many modern families, the inheritance is automatically distributed according to inheritance law if there is no will. This means, for instance, that unmarried partners inherit nothing from each other, and stepchildren are entitled to their share immediately. Many families are surprised by this, and without a will, it can have serious financial consequences for the surviving family, says Chief Legal Advisor Katrine Lindgaard Pedersen from Replik and continues:
– We also see that many younger adults are becoming aware of this need when they have children, buy a home, or live together without being married. In these cases, a will can be crucial to ensuring the surviving partner has the possibility to stay in their home and manage the other financial obligations often left in a family.
Many families are surprised by this, and without a will, it can have serious financial consequences for the surviving family
Katrine Lindgaard Pedersen also points to increased knowledge about inheritance rules and the advantages of a will as explanations for the markedly rising trend. TV shows about inheritance disputes and other media coverage have highlighted the consequences of not having a will to more Danes.
– Nowadays, a will is no longer a dusty document considered as an afterthought. For many, it acts as a form of legal insurance, much like other common insurances, providing peace of mind and ensuring the family is protected if the unexpected happens. We believe this trend will continue in the coming years, concludes the chief legal advisor.
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Replik is a legal consultancy with 16 trained and specialized attorneys in family and inheritance law. They are a reputable firm focusing on personal connection and dialogue. This means they are experts in tailoring your legal security based on your specific life situation. It's a consultancy where there's always the possibility to have a free, non-binding conversation, so you don’t commit just because you're curious.
