After a death, the will is opened by the cantonal authorities. The cantonal authorities then secure the inheritance and issue the inheritance certificates. These provisionally entitle the heirs to the estate.

A holographic will is easy and cheap to draw up. One reason why it is so popular in Switzerland is because it is easy to update. It can be stored either at home or with a cantonal authority.

Besides handwritten and oral (emergency) wills, the law also recognises the notarised variant. This offers advantages that can mostly pay off when circumstances are complicated or an estate is valuable.