Table of contents
An inheritance is more than a transfer of assets; it is a turning point – emotionally, organisationally and fiscally. Many heirs suddenly find themselves faced with decisions that have far-reaching legal and personal implications.
This article guides you through the most important issues following an inheritance in **ten** steps – from the initial formalities to strategic succession planning.
The first priority is not tax, but organisation. Gathering all relevant documents at an early stage lays the foundation for all subsequent decisions.
Important initial steps:
If a will is found, you must submit it to the probate court immediately.
Before any decisions can be made, it must be clear who has legally become an heir.
The probate court officially opens any existing wills; in the absence of a will, statutory succession applies. In practice, the following serve as proof:
This step provides legal certainty and prevents future disputes, particularly where there are several potential heirs, blended families or international implications.
One of the most important decisions comes early – often sooner than expected. A decision must be made within six weeks as to whether the inheritance is to be accepted or renounced.
Key points:
This is precisely where specialist advice can help identify risks and limit liability.
Once it has been clarified who the heir is, the focus shifts to the contents of the estate. The aim is to draw up as complete an ‘inventory’ as possible of the inherited assets.
This typically includes:
This overview forms the basis for civil law decisions (e.g. the division of the estate) and for the valuation of inheritance tax.
In parallel with the assets, the deceased’s liabilities must also be determined.
These may include:
Based on this overview, you should decide whether accepting the inheritance makes financial sense or whether you should limit your liability or seriously consider renouncing the inheritance.
If several people have become heirs, they automatically form a community of heirs.
Key issues at this stage:
Early mediation and professional support can help to avoid family conflicts and ensure decisions are made in a structured manner.
By now at the latest, you should actively factor in the tax implications.
In particular, the following need to be clarified:
Specialist advisers such as Hergen Kassuba can help you calculate inheritance tax, make the most of tax allowances and identify planning options.
Heirs are obliged to notify the tax office of the inheritance and – where necessary – to submit an inheritance tax return.
This requires:
This is where the thorough preparatory work carried out in steps 1–5 pays off immediately.
Once the legal framework and tax issues have been clarified, the focus shifts to the practical distribution and structuring of the estate.
Typical issues:
Forward-looking planning can help reduce both tax burdens and family tensions.
Anyone who has experienced just how complex an inheritance can be often thinks differently about their own succession.
It makes sense to:
It is precisely here that advice from experts such as Hergen Kassuba combines the emotional dimension with a clear tax and legal structure.
An inheritance is an exceptional situation – but with the right structure, it becomes manageable. By consciously following steps 1–10, you create clarity, reduce risks and can capitalise on the opportunities presented by wealth succession.
Would you like me to tailor the article even more closely to the tax perspective (e.g. focusing on inheritance tax allowances and common mistakes)?