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Inheritance, estates and wills
Those who put their estate in order while they are alive spare their loved ones a number of issues in the case of their death and reduce the formalities that survivors will have to deal with at a difficult time of grieving. Here you will find information and contacts at public authorities regarding inheritance, wills and estates.
Services:
Apply for a certificate of inheritance limited to a single person
If you are the sole heir, you often need a certificate of inheritance as proof of your inheritance rights. You can have this limited to the estate in Germany if estate items are located both in Germany and abroad.
Apply for a community minimum inheritance certificate
In the event of an inheritance, you can apply for a joint minimum certificate of inheritance as a co-heir.
Apply for a joint certificate of inheritance
In the event of an inheritance, you can apply for a joint certificate of inheritance as a co-heir.
Apply for a joint certificate of inheritance according to intestate succession
The probate court may also issue a so-called joint certificate of inheritance for several heirs. Each co-heir can apply for a joint certificate of inheritance.
Apply for a joint certificate of inheritance limited in subject matter
The probate court may also issue a so-called joint certificate of inheritance for several heirs. Each co-heir can apply for a joint certificate of inheritance. The scope of this certificate may be restricted if parts of the estate are located abroad.
Apply for a joint certificate of inheritance limited to a specific object
In the case of a joint inheritance, you can apply for a joint certificate of partial inheritance as a co-heir. This can be limited in terms of subject matter if parts of the estate are located abroad.
Apply for a joint certificate of partial inheritance
In the event of an inheritance, you can apply for a joint partial inheritance certificate as a co-heir.
Apply for a single certificate of inheritance based on a will
If you have accepted your inheritance, you often need proof of your inheritance status. If you are the sole heir under a will or inheritance contract, you can apply for a sole heir certificate.
Apply for single certificate of inheritance due to legal succession
If you are the sole heir according to legal succession, you can apply for a sole heir certificate at the probate court to prove your status as heir.
Collection of a joint certificate of inheritance
If it subsequently transpires that the heirs shown on the certificate of inheritance are not the real heirs, the certificate of inheritance may be revoked.
Collection of a sole inheritance certificate
If it subsequently transpires that the heir shown on the certificate of inheritance is not the true heir, the certificate of inheritance will be revoked by the probate court.
Exclude inheritance
If you have become an heir, you must decide whether to accept or disclaim the inheritance. You can declare the disclaimer of the inheritance to the probate court.
Inheritance rights and obligations in another member state
Here you will find more information on inheritance rights and obligations in another member state.
Issue certificate of inheritance
Here you will find information on how to apply for a certificate of inheritance.
Mediate community of heirs in inheritance settlement
In the event of disputes between heirs, the notary can mediate upon request.
Notarize the waiver of inheritance
If you do not wish to accept an inheritance, you must disclaim it. You can have the declaration of renunciation drawn up and notarized by a notary and submit it to the probate court.
Possession of weapons as a result of inheritance Request permission
If you inherit firearms or ammunition and wish to keep them, you must apply for a firearms permit.
Probate guardianship order
It is not uncommon for someone to die without leaving a will or without relatives who would be known. Under certain circumstances, the probate court appoints a guardian of the estate.
Registering health care proxies and advance care directives in the central register of health care proxies
If you have set up a power of attorney and/or a care directive, you should register it in the Central Register of Lasting Powers of Attorney of the Federal Chamber of Notaries.
Special official safekeeping of a disposition of property upon death (e.g. will)
A disposition upon death, for example a will, is placed in special official safekeeping at the local court during your lifetime. The custody data is transmitted electronically to the Central Register of Wills by the local court or a notary's office and registered there.
Submit a request to use archive material
If you would like to view or use archive material from different periods of German history in the Federal Archives, you will need an approved application for use.
Withdrawal/return of a disposition of property upon death from special official custody
Here you can withdraw a disposition of property upon death (e.g. a will or an inheritance contract) from special official custody.
