Renouncing an inheritance — by when, and how?

An inheritance can also consist of an over-indebted estate. By when you must renounce it, how that works, and what applies once the deadline has passed.

You have become an heir and have doubts about whether the estate is actually of any value — perhaps you even suspect it is over-indebted. In that case, every week counts: the renunciation deadline runs automatically once you have learned of the inheritance, with no action required to start it.

The deadline: six weeks, six months in cross-border cases

Renunciation must be declared within six weeks of the point at which you became aware of the devolution of the inheritance and of the reason you were called to inherit. Where you are called to inherit under a will, the deadline only begins once the probate court has notified you of the disposition on death. If the deceased’s last residence was abroad, or if you yourself are abroad when the deadline begins, the period is extended to six months (section 1944 BGB).

How I can help you

• a quick assessment of whether renunciation makes sense in your case
• checking whether, and when, the deadline actually started running
• preparing and declaring the renunciation to the probate court
• advice where the deadline may already have expired

What happens if you do nothing?

Renunciation must be declared to the probate court. If you fail to do so within the deadline, the inheritance is deemed accepted – with all the rights, but also all the liabilities, of the estate. Particularly where over-indebtedness is a possibility, this deadline is therefore not a mere formality, but decides whether you ultimately end up answering for someone else’s debts.

How I proceed for you

I first clarify for you whether, and when, the deadline started running, assess the estate’s financial position as far as possible, and – where renunciation makes sense – prepare the declaration to the probate court on your behalf. You will find an overview of compulsory portions, certificates of inheritance and statutory succession on the Inheritance Law page.

Not sure whether renunciation is an option for you? Get in touch promptly – with this deadline, every day counts.

This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-06-29.

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