Attorney for Inheritance Law · Berlin & nationwide
Inheritance Law in Berlin.Clear help when it comes to your estate.
Lawyer for inheritance law, compulsory portion, wills and community of heirs. Personal, clear and reliable, in Berlin and nationwide.
Specialised in Inheritance Law
Over 18 years of experience
Strategic and personal
Berlin and nationwide
Your concern
Which topic affects you?
Inheritance law is rarely simple. Choose your concern and I will show you the right path to a clear solution.
How I work
Clear steps to your solution.
Schedule a Call
You contact me by phone or via the contact form and describe your concern.
Receive Initial Assessment
You receive an initial legal assessment and a recommendation for the next steps.
Discuss Strategy
We discuss your options and develop an individual strategy for your case.
About Me
Christian Kopitzsch
Your Inheritance Lawyer
With many years of legal experience, I personally guide clients in a discreet and solution-oriented manner, in Berlin and nationwide.
As a lawyer specialising in inheritance law, I know the nuances of this legal field, the typical pitfalls and the right strategies for your case.
My goal is not winning the dispute but a fair and lasting solution.
Inheritance connects generations.
I make sure it stays fair.
In these cases you should instruct an inheritance lawyer
Inheritance law conflicts are complex and often time-critical. These situations show when legal support is particularly important.
You have been disinherited
Even those not mentioned in a will may have claims under certain circumstances. Persons entitled to a compulsory portion, such as children or spouses, have statutory minimum claims that exist regardless of the will.
Dispute in the community of heirs
Multiple heirs, conflicting views: even a single obstructive person can paralyse the administration of the estate. Legal support creates structure, mediates between parties and enforces rights.
Will is unclear or doubtful
Formal errors, contradictory wording or doubts about testamentary capacity can make a will contestable. A legal review shows whether and how to proceed.
Compulsory portion was not paid out
Those entitled to a compulsory portion can assert this against the heirs. This includes a right to information about the estate and the right to payment of the calculated amount.
Real estate is part of the estate
Inherited properties raise many questions: sell, rent or use yourself? How is the value determined, how are taxes calculated? In communities of heirs, a forced auction looms in case of dispute.
You don't know if a certificate of inheritance is needed
A certificate of inheritance is not always required. It is often dispensable with notarial wills, but usually necessary for land register changes. We'll clarify together which documents are needed in your case.
Acting correctly in an inheritance case
First Steps in an Inheritance Case
Time matters in an inheritance case: disclaiming is only possible within 6 weeks, compulsory portion claims expire after 3 years. These four steps give you certainty.
Secure documents
The will, certificate of inheritance, bank documents, insurance policies and important contracts of the deceased should be secured immediately. Missing documents can cause significant delays later on.
Check the will or statutory succession
If a will exists, it must be submitted to the probate court. Without a will, statutory succession applies. Legal review helps you assess your position early on.
Observe deadlines
Strict deadlines apply in inheritance law: disclaiming an inheritance must occur within 6 weeks, compulsory portion claims become time-barred after 3 years. Missing deadlines often means irreversibly losing your rights.
Seek legal advice
Especially with complex estates, disputes in communities of heirs, unclear wills or compulsory portion claims, specialised legal advice is essential. It protects against costly mistakes.
My Approach
What you can expect from working with me: three principles that shape my work.
Clear Assessment
I explain your legal situation clearly and comprehensibly, without legal jargon. Only those who understand their situation can make informed decisions.
Clear Strategy
Based on your concern, I develop a realistic strategy aligned with your goal: out of court where possible, consistently where necessary.
Consistent Enforcement
When your rights need to be enforced, I do so with determination: out of court through negotiation, in court through sound litigation.
Common questions
What clients want to know before the first meeting
What does an inheritance lawyer cost?
Fees are based on the German Lawyers' Fees Act (RVG) and the value in dispute. An initial consultation may be charged at a flat rate of up to 190 € plus VAT. Many mandates are billed hourly or at a fixed fee.
When should I consult an inheritance lawyer?
As early as possible, especially if you were disinherited, a will is to be contested, a community of heirs cannot agree, you want to disclaim an inheritance, the estate contains debts, or you inherited real estate. Early legal advice prevents costly mistakes and missed deadlines.
How long do I have to accept or disclaim an inheritance?
The disclaimer period is 6 weeks from knowledge of the inheritance, or 6 months if the deceased lived abroad. The disclaimer must be declared at the probate court or notarially. If in doubt, contact an inheritance lawyer immediately.
Can I receive advice online or nationwide?
Yes. Attorney Christian Kopitzsch advises and represents clients nationwide, in person in Berlin as well as by phone and video conference. As German inheritance law applies uniformly across the country, location-independent advice is perfectly possible.
What is a certificate of inheritance and when do I need it?
The certificate of inheritance is an official document from the probate court proving your status as heir. You need it at banks, land registries and authorities. With a notarial will and opening protocol it can often be replaced.
Free initial assessment
Questions about inheritance law?I am here for you.
Tell me about your case. I will get back to you promptly with an initial assessment. Discreet, clear and straightforward.
- Free initial assessment
- Fast response
- Discreet & confidential