Heirs; request for information

Persons who are not involved in the probate proceedings can also enquire at the probate court as to who has become the heir of a deceased person.

Anyone who can credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest can also enquire with the probate court as a non-party to the proceedings as to who has become the heir of a deceased person.

This applies, for example, to landlords or other creditors of the estate who still have outstanding claims against the deceased person. A reasonably justified interest of a legal, factual, economic or scientific nature is required. This is not the case if all the necessary information is already available and it is not apparent that the inspection could lead to further findings.

The information can only be provided if this does not conflict with the legitimate interests of a party involved or a third party.

• Documents to substantiate the legitimate interest: e.g. invoice, debt instrument, rental agreement

Circumstances must be substantiated from which experience has shown that a legitimate interest exists in the normal course of events.

The information is provided by the local court as the probate court. The probate court in whose district the deceased had their habitual residence at the time of the inheritance has local jurisdiction.

The information must be requested from the competent probate court in writing, for the record of the court registry or by means of electronic legal transactions. An application can also be made via the online procedure offered.

Heirs are not always identified, especially if there are no assets. In this case, a fee of 15.00 euros may be charged for the negative information.