Planning a will or dealing with an estate
Inheritance matters combine personal relationships with financial interests. STEINWACHS receives enquiries about planning a will, checking a compulsory share or dealing with a community of heirs. The starting point is the documentation, family situation and the specific result you wish to discuss.
Rights and liabilities of heirs
Under section 1922 BGB, the deceased’s estate passes as a whole to the heir or heirs. Liabilities of the estate also require consideration. Where there is more than one heir, administration of the estate differs from disposing of an individual estate asset. Section 2038 BGB governs joint administration and permits an individual co-heir to take necessary preservation measures. Disposals of an individual estate asset are generally made jointly under section 2040 BGB.
Subjects for an enquiry
- Wills and inheritance contracts
- Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives
- Lifetime estate planning and business succession
- Inheritance and gift tax
- Compulsory shares and communities of heirs
- Certificates of inheritance and execution of wills
- International and agricultural inheritance matters
- Foundation law
Preparing the first review
Where available, have the will or inheritance contract, court correspondence, family relationship details, an estate overview and existing correspondence ready. For planning advice, explain your wishes and the asset structure. Mention known deadlines; the further documents required depend on the particular matter.
Contact details are available in the STEINWACHS office overview. The current German service page identifies lawyer Stephan Steinwachs as responsible for its content.