Inherited Assets in Germany?
Download a practical guide for U.S.-based heirs and learn what to do when German bank accounts, real estate, or other inherited assets are involved.
If you inherited a German bank account, real estate, or other assets while living in the United States, the process is rarely straightforward. German inheritance law does not work like U.S. probate. Missing deadlines, relying on the wrong documents, or starting with the wrong court can delay access to the estate for months.
Start with the guide. Then, if needed, book a structured consultation to review your specific next steps.
Dual-licensed in the U.S. and Germany · Offices in the U.S. and Germany
IS THIS GUIDE IS FOR
This resource is designed for people in the United States dealing with inheritance matters in Germany.
Heirs who inherited bank accounts, real estate, or other assets in Germany
Executors or family members trying to understand the German side of the estate
U.S.-based beneficiaries facing Erbschein, disclaimer, or tax questions
Families who want to handle the matter without traveling to Germany
People unsure whether a U.S. will or probate order is enough in Germany
Families trying to avoid delay, mistakes, and unnecessary travel
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE GUIDE
This guide gives you a practical overview of the legal and procedural issues that most often affect U.S.-based heirs.
How German inheritance law differs from U.S. probate
How German inheritance law differs from U.S. probate
What the Erbschein is and when it is required
How German bank accounts are accessed after death
What to know about the six-month disclaimer deadline
How powers of attorney, apostilles, and translations work
German inheritance tax basics for U.S.-based heirs
How inherited real estate in Germany is handled or sold
The most common mistakes that create avoidable delay
WHY THESE MATTERS OFTEN GO OFF TRACK
Many U.S.-based heirs assume that a U.S. will, Letters Testamentary, or a probate court order will be enough to transfer German assets. In many cases, it is not.
Common Assumptions
What Often Happens Instead
“The bank will accept the death certificate and probate papers.”
“I can deal with this later.”
“I probably do not need a German court certificate.”
“I should wait until I have all the facts.”
German banks request an Erbschein
The disclaimer clock keeps running
Apostilles or translations are missing
Tax notifications are overlooked
The matter stalls before it properly begins
A short strategic review early in the process often prevents a much more expensive cleanup later.
Why Clients Work With US
We are licensed to practice law in both in the U.S. and Germany, with offices in each jurisdiction. We help U.S.-based heirs and fiduciaries navigate German inheritance matters where cross-border procedure, court requirements, bank access, and tax issues must be handled in a coordinated way.
This includes matters involving:
German bank accounts
Erbschein applications
German probate court procedure
Inherited real estate in Germany
Tax clearance and related filings
Remote administration through power of attorney
You receive guidance grounded in both legal systems — not generic information from only one side of the Atlantic.
Need Advice on Your Specific Situation?
Structured Initial Consultation — €394
The guide explains the general framework. The consultation is where we apply that framework to your facts.
In this consultation, we review:
What legal path likely applies in Germany
Deadlines that may already be running
Whether an Erbschein is likely required
What risks exist regarding debts, tax, or co-heirs
What the next practical steps should be
This is designed for heirs, executors, fiduciaries, and attorneys who want a focused legal assessment before taking action.
Request Your Structured Initial Consultation
Please provide a few details so we can understand the nature of your German inheritance matter before the consultation.
Where are you located?
Not Ready to Schedule Yet? Start With the Guide
Download the guide to understand the process, key deadlines, and common mistakes before taking action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the guide free?
Yes. The guide is provided as an educational resource for U.S.-based heirs and fiduciaries dealing with German inheritance matters.
Is the consultation free?
No. The Structured Initial Consultation is €394.
Is the guide legal advice?
No. The guide is for general educational purposes only and does not replace legal advice for your specific matter.
Do I need to travel to Germany?
In many cases, no. With proper documentation and a valid power of attorney, much of the process can often be handled remotely.
What if I already know there is a German bank account?
That is often the right time to seek case-specific advice, especially before contacting the institution or submitting documents.
Can you help if there is both real estate and a bank account in Germany?
Yes. Cross-border matters often involve more than one asset type and require coordinated handling.
READY TO TALK?
Book a Structured Initial Consultation
You’ll speak directly with a dual-licensed attorney who will walk you through your situation, answer your questions, and explain your next best step.
Call USA Office
+1.989.687.5255
Email USA Office
info [@] galawcenter.com
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