The death of a loved one requires legal and financial decisions at an emotionally difficult time. When heirs disagree, the process can become even more complicated. This article summarises the first steps that can generally be taken.
Identifying the heirs
The starting point is the official determination of who the heirs are. This forms the basis of all subsequent steps.
Determining the estate
Real estate, bank accounts, vehicles and debts that make up the estate should be identified. An estate may consist not only of assets but also of debts, so it should be reviewed carefully.
Is there a will?
It should be checked whether the deceased left a will. If there is one, its content and validity are assessed separately.
Settlement or litigation
If the heirs can agree on the division, the process is shorter and less stressful. If not, legal routes such as ending co-ownership come into play. Since some applications are subject to time limits, it is important to have the situation reviewed by a lawyer without delay.
This article is for general information only; please consult a lawyer about your specific situation.