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Certificate of inheritance documents

Prepare these records before applying.

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Updated

Core documents

The probate court needs proof of the deceased person and the claimed succession. Required documents depend on whether succession follows statute, a will or an inheritance contract.

Documents should be complete and legible. Foreign records may require translations or additional proof.

Document Purpose
Death certificate Proof of death.
Identity document Identity of the applicant.
Birth and marriage records Proof of family relationship and succession.
Will or inheritance contract Proof of testamentary succession.

Statutory succession

Without a will, statutory succession must be proven through civil status records. The family relationship should be traceable without gaps.

For deceased relatives, further death certificates may be required. Divorce or remarriage can make additional records necessary.

Will or inheritance contract

A will or inheritance contract should be submitted completely. The court checks whether it clearly proves succession.

If the disposition is clear, some banks or land registry offices may accept the opened will instead of a certificate.

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