Inheritance and Probate

Inheritance and probate law governs the distribution of a deceased person's assets and wealth. This process can be complex, involving legal, financial, and practical considerations.

Inheritance law determines who is entitled to inherit and how the inheritance should be distributed among the heirs. This distribution should follow the law or the deceased's wishes as expressed in a will.

Probate involves settling the deceased's estate. This includes identifying and valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs. Probate can be conducted privately, where the heirs manage the settlement themselves, or publicly, where an administrator appointed by the district court oversees the process.

We also assist with generational transitions, planning and implementing the transfer of ownership and management while the benefactor is still alive. In these cases, we involve our lawyers who specialise in corporate and tax law.

As members of the international network of law firms, Eurojuris International, we can also assist with cross-border estate settlements.

Our services include:

Inheritance planning
- Many people today wish to plan the distribution of their estate before their passing, and there is an increasing demand for tailored solutions that ensure both predictability and security. With more people in relationships involving both stepchildren and biological children, and various family compositions, the rules related to division and inheritance have become more complex. Without well-crafted agreements, the settlement process can become conflict-ridden. Through legal documents such as powers of attorney, wills, cohabitation agreements, and prenuptial agreements, you can ensure a structured and predictable solution that protects your interests and those of your loved ones.
Last will and testament
- Your ability to allocate your assets in a will depends on the size of the estate you leave behind and whether you have a partner, spouse, or children. The Inheritance Act provides clear rules about who is entitled to inherit and outlines the limitations on how a testator can deviate from these provisions in a will. Our lawyers can assist you in finding solutions that fulfill your wishes while complying with the applicable regulations.
Generational transition
- A generational transition involves transferring ownership and management from one generation to the next while the benefactor is still alive. This often includes the transfer of significant assets, such as businesses, properties, or other substantial wealth. These processes are typically complex and involve legal, financial, and tax-related issues. Our experienced lawyers understand that a successful generational transition requires careful planning, legal expertise, and an understanding of the family's unique dynamics.
Estate settlement after death
- When settling a deceased estate, the deceased's debts and obligations must first be resolved before the net assets are distributed among the heirs. In such situations, heirs must address various financial, legal, and practical issues. An estate settlement can be carried out either privately, where the heirs manage the process themselves, or publicly, where an administrator is appointed by the court. Our lawyers assist both private individuals and public authorities in managing estate settlements.