Since 1 January 2017, persons who were close to the deceased and who had cared for him for at least six months in the last three years before his death have a legal legacy based on the law. The care must not be carried out only to a minor extent. The legacy is only valid if no allowance has been granted and no payment has been agreed for the care provided.

Close associates are persons who are the legal heirs of the deceased, their spouse, registered partner or partner and their children, as well as the partner of the deceased and his or her children.

The care legacy may be invoked in the desertion procedure.