How can I find out if I am entitled to an inheritance?
June 21, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christiane Melzer
Dear estate lawyer,
My name is Otto Krause and I am facing a complicated situation. My uncle recently passed away and did not leave a will. Now I am wondering if I may have a claim to his estate.
My uncle was a very wealthy man and had no direct descendants. He had a sister who passed away before him, and I am the only remaining relative in the family. However, we had little contact with each other in recent years.
I am concerned that I may have been disinherited by my uncle or that there are other heirs of whom I am unaware. So how can I find out if I have any claim to the estate?
I have tried to obtain information about my uncle's estate, but have not been successful so far. Are there specific steps I can take to assess my claims? Should I consult a lawyer to assist me in this matter?
I would be grateful if you could provide me with some advice on how best to proceed in this situation. I want to ensure that my rights as a potential heir are protected and do not want to miss out on asserting my rightful inheritance claims.
Thank you in advance for your help and guidance.
Sincerely,
Otto Krause
Dear Mr. Krause,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your potential inheritance claim after the deceased uncle. It is understandable that you are concerned in this situation and would like to have clarity about your legal rights. I am happy to assist you and will outline some steps you can take to clarify your situation.
First of all, it is important to know that in the case of dying without a will, the legal succession applies. This means that the closest relatives of the deceased are entitled to inherit according to legal provisions. As you are the only remaining relative as a nephew, you would generally have an inheritance claim.
However, to ensure that you are actually entitled to inherit and that there are no other heirs, it is advisable to apply for a certificate of inheritance from the competent probate court. You will need to file an application for the issuance of a certificate of inheritance, which proves your right to inherit. The court will then identify all potential heirs and verify whether you are indeed entitled to inherit.
Furthermore, it is recommended to seek advice from a lawyer specializing in inheritance law, who can support you in this matter. An experienced lawyer can assist you in obtaining the certificate of inheritance, examine your uncle's estate, and potentially assert claims against other potential heirs.
It is important that you do not waste any time, as inheritance matters are often complex and an early clarification of your inheritance claims is crucial. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and ensure that you receive your fair share of the inheritance.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. I wish you success in resolving your inheritance matter and am here to support you.
Best regards,
Christiane Melzer
Lawyer specializing in inheritance law
