Have you been informed of an inheritance in Germany? If so, under German inheritance law (“Erbrecht”), a crucial deadline begins immediately to run: you have just six weeks to decide whether to disclaim the inheritance in Germany. Conversely, for heirs living abroad, this period extends to six months. Consequently, this deadline can significantly impact your financial future. Jackson Law International can help ensure that no critical deadlines are missed.
Understanding Germany’s unique inheritance law.
The law pertaining to an inheritance in Germany follows a distinctive principle called “Universalsukzession” (universal succession). This means that as an heir, you automatically step into the deceased’s entire legal position, including all rights, assets AND obligations. Meaning, that unlike in many other countries, you inherit not just assets but also all debts. As a result, this principle makes a thorough estate evaluation crucial.
Unknown estates: Jackson Law International’s experience protects your interests.
Foreign heirs typically often know little about their German relatives’ estates. How high are the debts? Are there hidden assets? Jackson Law International has years of experience in investigating and evaluating estates. Moreover, we will conduct thorough research and quickly provide a comprehensive overview of your situation.
Professional analysis: swift and reliable assessment of your inheritance in Germany.
Time is critical in estate evaluation. Our German speaking attorneys know precisely where to look: banks, property registers, insurance companies, and other relevant institutions. Consequently, our experience and our German-licensed attorneys allow us to analyze even complex estates within legal deadlines and provide you with well-founded advice. Thus, if you decide to accept the inheritance, we can help implement strategies to limit your liability. Moreover, our team can guide you through the process of accepting an inheritance with inventory (Erbschaft mit Inventarerrichtung), providing additional protection for your interests.
Personalized consultation: Your situation is unique.
If we determine that the estate is over-indebted, we guide you through disclaiming the inheritance. This must be done in the correct form and within the relevant deadline. Furthermore, we handle all necessary formalities and ensure that the disclaimer is legally valid. As a result, you do not need to worry – we will be by your side.
Your path to legal security.
Disclaiming an inheritance in Germany is a significant legal step that should not be taken without expert advice. Our law firm provides you with a level of security that you need for this decision. We examine the estate, evaluate your options, and implement your decision with legal certainty.
Clear communication: stay informed every step of the way.
Throughout the entire process, we keep you updated. Furthermore, we explain your options in plain English or German and advise you on every decision. Our bilingual attorneys at Jackson Law International ensure that language barriers never prevent you from exercising your rights.
Do not let a potential inheritance in Germany cause unnecessary worry. With the right legal support, you can make a well-informed and legally secure decision about whether to accept or disclaim the inheritance. Schedule a consultation with our experts from Jackson Law International. We are here for you – competent, reliable, and personal.
Jackson Law International: The value of dual legal expertise.
In summary, our unique position as attorneys qualified in both German and U.S. law allows us to bridge the gap between these different legal systems in cases involving an inheritance in Germany. Thus, we do not just translate documents; we translate legal concepts and implications into terms that make sense to our American and German clients.
Feel free to contact us to discuss your case.
By Michael R. Jackson, Shareholder
© Jackson Law International 2025