Inheritance from Germany?

Cherokee_2

Can someone help clarify? My grown up kids have an inheritance from their last German relative, it was meant to go to their Dad but he passed away in 2019 so it's passed on to them. They were told originally that a letter of acceptance was all that was required which they sent off some time ago but the solicitor is now saying that they have to go to Germany to get a certificate of inheritance before its settled. Does anyone know if this can be dealt with in the UK?   They have tried the German Embassy in London who weren't very forthcoming with advice to be honest.  Any advice appreciated with thanks 

elsien

This says it can be done at the consulate or embassy.
https://www.germany.info/blob/929670/0ae9beaf48badab5d626bd5f679cc019/inheritance-estate-questionaire-data.pdf

Cherokee_2

Thank you, will take a look but when they rang the Embassy they said they weren't doing it there as there is such a backlog from covid.

Savvy_Sue

Guessing that the solicitor you refer to is dealing with the inheritance from Germany? It's possibly worth trying to find their own solicitor with expertise in German law: a quick google for 'solicitor for German inheritance' produced several suggestions. Or finding an expat forum for Germany and checking there? 

They would definitely want to be clear about what they'd need to do on arrival in Germany, and whether they'd need to have any documents pre-translated and certified. 

are they adults? 

Cherokee_2

Thanks Savvy_Sue worth a look!  It's the solicitor dealing with the probate etc. but the goalposts keep changing.  A friend who speaks German actually rang them and originally they said just a letter of acceptance was sufficient then they needed a certificate which could be done here by a solicitor, then it was the German embassy now its they have to actually go over to the courts to submit the application.  This has gone on for around a year now and they are ready to give up on it to be honest.

SiliconChip

How much is the inheritance? It doesn't cost a lot to go to Germany for a few days so if there's a profit in the inheritance why don't they just take a trip?