The Riigikogu passed with 55 votes in favour the Law of Succession Act (56 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. Compared to the Law of Succession Act in force, one of the fundamental changes is the replacement of the so-called estate acceptance system with the so-called waiver system. Pursuant to the legislation in force, the estate passes to the successor solely in case the latter accepts it. In the case of the waiver system, the right of succession stipulated in the Act is automatic and the successor must submit a claim to waive the estate. Pursuant to the Act, the succession opens for the successor on the day of death of the bequeather. The new Law of Succession Act enters into force on 1 January 2009. 31 members of the Riigikogu voted against the Act, nobody abstained.

The Riigikogu Press Service