Representation in proceedings to obtain a German certificate of inheritance or German certificate of executorship

We also represent many clients residing in Canada or Germany in non-contentious proceedings to obtain a German certificate of inheritance or certificate of appointment as an executor.

Services

Our services include, in particular,

• opening of wills in Germany;
• advice on the recognition of a Canadian will in Germany;
• advice on the effects of a Canadian trust on assets in Germany;
• advice on the recognition of a Canadian estate administrator as an executor in Germany;
• advice on the necessity of a certificate of inheritance or executor certificate;
• advice on the necessity of shares in a partnership (KG, GmbH & Co. KG, GbR) or corporation (GmbH, AG) in the estate;
• Drafting of an application for a certificate of inheritance or executor certificate, even where Canadian law applies;
• Correspondence with German diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) regarding the notarization of an application for a certificate of inheritance or executor certificate;
• applying for permission to make an affidavit of support when notarizing the application before a Canadian notary;
• representation before the German probate court;
• representation of beneficiaries (heirs, legatees) to avoid service in Canada;
• receiving the certificate of inheritance or the certificate of executorship to avoid service abroad and
• appeals against the rejection of an application for the granting of a certificate of inheritance or a certificate of inheritance.

After the grant of the certificate of inheritance or the certificate of inheritance, we support our clients in collecting the assets. This includes, for example,

• correcting the land register;
• entering the assets in the commercial register and the list of shareholders;
• obtaining a tax clearance certificate;
• Declaration of German inheritance tax for cases involving the United Kingdom;
• Declarations under the Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz, GewG);
• Correspondence with banks, savings banks and credit unions.

Consultancy locations and remote consultancy

We provide personal advice in Berlin. Otherwise, we advise throughout Germany via remote communication channels (Zoom, telephone, email). In most cases, this is also completely sufficient for dealing with our clients' concerns. If we think that personal advice makes sense, we will let you know!