Inherited something in Germany? We deal with the German side.
German inheritance and probate rules differ sharply from those in the US, the UK and most other countries — and they are hard to manage from overseas without the language and local knowledge. We advise and represent heirs and beneficiaries with assets in Germany.
- Certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) and dealings with the probate court
- Locating and securing estate assets in Germany
- Communication and disputes among co-heirs (Erbengemeinschaft)
- German inheritance tax and clearance with the tax office
- Wills, gifts and cross-border estate planning
We step in as your representative in Germany: we speak to the probate court and any co-heirs, gather what is needed, secure your certificate of inheritance, handle the tax authorities, and see that what is due to you actually reaches you.
Good to know
Is there “probate” like at home?
Not in the same way. In Germany, heirs succeed to the estate directly (universal succession) — there is usually no court-appointed administrator running the estate.
What is an Erbschein?
An official certificate of your status as heir. Banks and the land registry often require it before they will deal with you.
There are several heirs — what does that mean?
You form a community of heirs and must, in principle, act together until the estate is divided. We manage that process and any deadlock among co-heirs abroad.
The document is only the beginning.
A German will, a foreign will, or none at all — each leads to a different route through the German system. We read the situation and take the practical steps that turn a piece of paper into a settled inheritance.
Ask about your German estate.
Send a short outline of the situation. We will tell you honestly whether and how we can help.