THE CERTIFICATE OF INHERITANCE (ERBSCHEIN) IN GERMAN LAW

Abstract

In German law, the succession is determined either by law, or by disposition in contemplation of death. The heirs, or the residuary devisees of the deceased step into the shoes of the decedent at his death, by virtue of law. In other words, transmission of property at death occurs ex lege; it does not require a constructive decision of the probate court. The certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) is a document, issued by the probate court in Germany, at the successor’s request, as a proof of his right as beneficiary. This certificate states who became heir(s), and at which share, and is indispensable for the heir(s) to dispose of real estate, or bank assets. The author examines different types of certificates of inheritance, the proceedings before surrogate courts in which they are issued, presumption of accuracy of these certificates, and legal protection of the reliance in their accuracy in good faith. The author calls special attention to comparative differences between the German legal institute of certificate of inheritance, and the decisions rendered by the Serbian courts in probate proceedings.