Testamentary succession is the will actually operating — a valid form with no executor file still does not move the deed.
Civil Code testamentary succession means the estate (or the part the will covers) passes to the named beneficiaries, subject to reserved shares, debts and acceptance. It sits opposite statutory succession. A will that fails form drops those assets into intestacy. PRC practice is not common-law probate with a personal representative as default; notarial succession and, if needed, an estate administrator are the machinery. This page is the concept. Forms live on /what-will-forms-recognized-china. Intestacy lives on /who-inherits-without-a-will-china.
4 questions before you choose the route.
This page identifies the right question and evidence. It does not determine the legal outcome on a reader’s facts.
Is the will valid in form?
Open forms related guide.
FormDoes it cover this asset?
Partial wills leave a residue.
ScopeAny reserved-share / dependant claim?
Children, spouse, dependants.
ReserveNotary or litigation?
Agreement vs contest.
PathWorking rule: Map the regulated role before marketing or launch in China.
The signal ledger.
These facts move the question beyond a label and into a product, money-flow and control analysis.
Bring a compact evidence docket—not a pitch deck.
Give a compliance team or counsel the operating facts that reveal the perimeter.
Questions people ask before they build.
Short answers for orientation. The right result can change with the service model and current rules.
Is an executor required?
PRC law allows an estate administrator; it is not identical to a common-law executor. See that related pages.
Can a will leave everything to a friend?
Possibly, subject to dependant/reserved-share facts. Do not assume a clean wipeout.
Primary authorities
Reviewed sources support orientation, not a fact-specific assessment.