Comprehensive GERMAN PROBATE AND German PROBATE ADMINISTRATION Services
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The Right Lawyer - a German Inheritance Lawyer
Makes All The Difference
Choosing the right German probate attorney makes all the difference in securing your financial inheritance, providing expert guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.
High Dollar German Inheritance or Liabilities
We Secure Your Inheritance
No Travel To Germany Necessary
We Bridge the Language Barriers
We Prepare the Application For The Certificate of the Inheritance
We Prepare the Application For The Certificate of Executorship
Prepare Inheritance Tax Returns
Work on a Flat Fee Based on the Value of the Inheritance
Your German Inheritance and the German Probate Process - How to Secure your inheritance?
Facing overwhelming complexity of the German Probate Process and Probate Administration can be stressful and confusing, but you don't have to go through it alone. Our dedicated team of German inheritance attorneys are here to provide personalized legal guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of the German probate process, apply for a certificate of inheritance, help you sell your inherited real estate property with or without the help of a real estate agent, prepare your inheritance tax returns, coordinate clearing out items no longer needed without you having to travel to Germany. We find the right solution for your financial situation.
Comprehensive Probate Administration: Offering tailored legal services for German Probate Administration, German Certificate of Inheritance Applications to help you Secure your German inheritance and protect your assets.
Expert Legal Guidance: Our experienced German probate and inheritance attorneys provide clear, compassionate, and confidential advice to navigate the complexities of German probate administration and probate law and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Application for A German Certificate of Inheritance and File German inheritance Tax Returns: We assist clients in managing the entire German Inheritance, negotiating with potential real Estate buyers, and providing strategies for Securing Your assets.
Free Initial Consultation: Schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your German Probate situation, explore your legal options, and understand how we can help you regain control of your German inheritance without having to Travel to Germany and overcome the language barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to travel to Germany to claim an inheritance?
No. In most cases, U.S.-based heirs can handle the entire probate process remotely through a German attorney with power of attorney. You do not need to appear in person to claim your inheritance or handle legal filings.
What documents are required to start the probate process in Germany?
Typically, you will need:
- The death certificate (German or translated)
- The last will (if any)
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased (birth or marriage certificates)
- A copy of your passport or ID
- Apostilles
- Translations
- Additional documents may be required depending on the case and location of assets.
What is a German Certificate of Inheritance (Erbschein)?
The Erbschein is a legal document issued by the German probate court that identifies the rightful heirs. It is often required to access German bank accounts, sell property, or deal with official institutions in Germany.
How long does the probate process in Germany typically take?
Standard cases take 4 to 8 months, but timing can vary based on court backlogs, whether there is a will, and if multiple heirs or foreign assets are involved. Complex cases can take longer.
Can I use a U.S. will in German probate?
Not automatically. A U.S. will may not meet German formal requirements. However, it may be recognized if it complies with international succession law and is properly translated and legalized. Legal review is essential.
Am I liable for the debts of the deceased?
Yes, German inheritance law includes both assets and liabilities. Heirs inherit the entire estate, including debts, unless they formally disclaim the inheritance within six weeks (or six months if abroad) of learning about it.
How do I disclaim an inheritance in Germany?
You must submit a formal disclaimer (Ausschlagung) to the competent German probate court. If you're abroad, the disclaimer must be notarized and sent through proper channels—usually via a German consulate or a U.S. notary with an apostille.
What taxes apply to a German inheritance?
German inheritance tax (Erbschaftsteuer) is levied based on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate. U.S. citizens may also have to report the inheritance to the IRS, though there is typically no U.S. tax on inherited assets unless income is later generated.
Can I sell inherited property in Germany from the U.S.?
Yes, but you’ll need an Erbschein or official probate order and a notarial deed of sale under German law. Transactions must be handled through a German notary, and proceeds may be subject to capital gains tax under certain conditions.
What if there are multiple heirs?
Germany treats multiple heirs as a community of heirs (Erbengemeinschaft). Any sale or distribution of estate property must be agreed upon unanimously. Coordination between heirs and legal representation is essential to avoid disputes and delays.
How do I access German bank accounts or investments?
Banks require proof of inheritance—usually an Erbschein or notarized will with probate order—and personal identification. If you’re abroad, a power of attorney can authorize your legal representative to manage these affairs.
Can I get legal help in English?
Yes. Many German probate attorneys work with international clients and provide bilingual service. It is strongly advised to work with someone familiar with cross-border probate and the U.S.–German legal interface.
What if I suspect fraud or mismanagement in the estate?
You can petition the German probate court for a Testamentsvollstrecker (executor) or file legal claims against co-heirs. Proper documentation and prompt legal action are critical in contested or suspicious cases.
How do I get started with my German inheritance case from the U.S.?
Begin by collecting available documents related to the deceased and your relationship, then consult with a German probate attorney who works with U.S.-based clients. They can handle all filings, representation, and correspondence with the German probate court.
Testimonials
"I had no idea how to begin handling my father’s estate in Germany. The German American Law Center and the Rechtsanwaltskanzlei PECHER, their German office, made it possible to claim my inheritance without ever leaving the U.S. They took care of the paperwork, dealt with the probate court, and explained every step in perfect English. It felt like having a bridge between two legal systems—and they walked me across it."
Michael R
"Navigating international wills and German inheritance law felt overwhelming until I found the German American Law Center. Their team—fluent in both languages and legal systems—secured our family’s property in Germany and handled all court filings remotely. They saved us time, stress, and costly international travel."
Emily T
"My siblings and I were named heirs in a complex estate in Bavaria. None of us speaks German or had the ability to fly overseas. Mandy Pecher, the attorney handled the entire probate process seamlessly through the Rechtsanwaltskanzlei PECHER, their German office, from obtaining the Erbschein to transferring assets. Their bilingual attorneys were professional, responsive, and exceptionally competent"
Nathalie M
"We thought we had lost our right to an inheritance in Germany because we missed deadlines and didn’t understand the local law. The attorneys at the German American Law Center and Rechtsanwaltskanzlei PECHER stepped in, recovered the estate, and got everything sorted—even working with the tax office and the notary in Germany. They are truly experts in cross-border estates."
J.S.
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+1.989.687.5255
Email USA Office
info [@] galawcenter.com