For individuals
Succession and estates: bringing order to a difficult time
A death in the family usually comes at an already difficult time for relatives. At the same time, practical questions arise: is there a will, who is involved, what belongs to the estate? We help you organise the existing documents, sort the questions and plan the next steps calmly – and equally if you wish to arrange your own succession in advance.
Overview
What succession and estate questions involve
Almost every matter begins with taking stock. Which wills or other dispositions upon death exist, who belongs to the circle of those involved, which assets and liabilities are known? Only once these questions are answered can it be assessed which decisions are pending and which declarations may need to be made. Some of these decisions are subject to time limits that depend on the circumstances of the case, so taking stock should begin promptly.
An estate frequently reaches across borders: a flat abroad, an account with a foreign bank or a last residence in another state. Connections like these can determine which succession law applies, which authorities are responsible and which evidence is required. We assess these points and tell you openly where a local review may be needed.
Typical questions in this area:
- How do I find out whether a will or inheritance contract exists?
- Which decisions are pending after a death?
- How can a community of heirs be organised objectively?
- What do assets abroad mean for the estate?
- How can I arrange my own succession and lasting powers?
Hypothetical examples
Examples from practice
The following situations are hypothetical examples. They show typical questions and do not describe actual engagements, people or outcomes.
Example: a holiday flat in a neighbouring country
The estate includes a holiday flat in France, while the heirs live in Germany and Switzerland. The questions are the applicable succession law, what evidence of entitlement foreign bodies require and how the property is managed in practice until the heirs agree.
Example: an unclear financial picture
After a parent’s death it is not known whether there are debts. The focus is on an orderly investigation of assets and liabilities and on which decisions should be taken on that basis.
Example: planning ahead before moving abroad
Someone plans to spend their retirement in Spain and wants to review their will. The question is how the future residence may affect matters and whether a choice of law or an amendment to the will makes sense.
Documents
Documents you can gather
A structured collection of the existing documents makes every further review easier. Particularly helpful are:
- The death certificate and details of the last place of residence
- Wills, inheritance contracts or letters from the probate court
- An overview of the known parties and their family relationship
- Bank statements, securities account summaries and insurance documents
- Land register extracts or property documents, including abroad
- Indications of liabilities, loans or ongoing contracts
- Lasting powers of attorney or advance healthcare directives, where available
You do not need every document before getting in touch. A short description is enough for a first enquiry; we will work out together which documents are needed.
Process
How we proceed
The process depends on whether a death has already occurred or you are planning your succession. It typically comprises these steps:
- Step 01
Describe your matter
You briefly state the occasion, the countries involved and whether you have already received letters from courts or authorities.
- Step 02
Taking stock
We review the available documents, organise the parties and assets and identify which information is missing.
- Step 03
Options and costs
We explain which decisions are pending, which routes are available and what costs to expect – before you commit.
- Step 04
Supporting implementation
Once you approve, we assist with declarations, correspondence and coordination among those involved. Tax questions should additionally be clarified with a tax adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions on succession and estates
What should I do first after a death in the family?
First secure the existing documents and gain an overview of the parties, assets and liabilities. Do not take far-reaching decisions about the estate before the situation is clear, and do not leave letters from courts or authorities unanswered.
Which succession law applies if the deceased lived abroad?
That depends, among other things, on the last habitual residence and on any choice of law in the will. Common rules apply within the EU; outside it, other principles may apply. A reliable answer can only come from the specific facts.
How can disputes within a community of heirs be avoided?
Transparency helps: a shared overview of assets and costs, clear arrangements for management and agreements recorded in writing. Where conflicts already exist, structured facilitation of the discussions can be useful.
Can I arrange my succession today?
Yes. A will, supplementary powers of attorney and an orderly overview of your assets make things much easier for your relatives later. Our free templates give a first overview; they do not replace an individual arrangement.
Next step
Let us organise your estate question together
Briefly describe the occasion and the countries involved. You will receive a clear response on the next steps that may be appropriate. General templates, for example on powers of attorney, can be found in our free template library.
- A short description is enough for a first enquiry.
- Confidential documents only after agreeing a secure channel.
- An enquiry does not yet establish a client relationship.