Inheritance Law · Berlin
Inheritance Lawyer in Berlin
Looking for an inheritance lawyer in Berlin? Attorney Christian Kopitzsch advises and represents you personally in the capital, on compulsory portions, wills, communities of heirs and estate planning. Over 18 years of experience, office in Berlin-Wilmersdorf.
Whether you were disinherited, a community of heirs cannot agree or a Berlin will is to be contested: I know the typical Berlin case constellations, from high property values to the local probate courts.
Inheritance law in Berlin, key facts
- Office in Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Detmolder Straße 2: advice on site, by phone or video.
- Focus: compulsory portion, contesting wills, communities of heirs, estate & inheritance tax.
- Berlin property values make compulsory-portion and tax questions especially relevant.
- German inheritance law applies uniformly nationwide, I represent you across Berlin and beyond.
My inheritance law services
Compulsory Portion
Calculate the claim, enforce disclosure and assert it.
Community of Heirs
Division, payout and conflict resolution.
Contesting a Will
Check formal errors, testamentary capacity and deadlines.
Berlin Will
Drafting, binding effect and contestation.
Disclaiming an Inheritance
6-week deadline, over-indebted estate, correct procedure.
Statutory Succession
Who inherits without a will: orders & spouse's share.
Disinheritance
Effect, compulsory portion and lawful structuring.
Certificate of Inheritance
When needed, what it costs, application at the probate court.
Inheritance Tax
Use allowances, property & family home.
Partition Auction
Dissolving property in a community of heirs.
After the Funeral
First steps, certificate of inheritance and statutory succession.
Why local experience in Berlin matters
Berlin estates are often dominated by real estate, period apartments in Charlottenburg, family homes in Steglitz, tenement buildings in Schöneberg. High market values mean higher compulsory-portion claims and inheritance tax. Anyone enforcing their rights here needs a realistic valuation and a lawyer who knows the local procedures.
Inheritance law in your Berlin district
Personal advice across Berlin, with dedicated pages for these districts:
Reviewed by attorney Christian Kopitzsch
Attorney for inheritance law in Berlin, over 18 years of experience.
Frequently asked questions about inheritance law in Berlin
What does an inheritance lawyer in Berlin cost?
Costs are based on the German Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) and the amount in dispute. For consumers the initial consultation is capped by law at €190 plus VAT (section 34 RVG). Many cases then run on an hourly or fixed fee. I tell you the expected costs transparently in advance.
Which probate court is responsible in Berlin?
In Berlin, the probate divisions of the local courts are responsible, for many districts the Schöneberg Local Court. The deceased's last place of residence is decisive. I clarify which court is responsible for your case.
Do you also advise outside Berlin?
Yes. German inheritance law applies uniformly nationwide. In addition to in-person advice in Berlin, I represent clients throughout Germany by phone and video conference.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Usually at short notice. Especially with deadlines, such as the 6-week disclaimer period or looming limitation, you should not wait. Get in touch and we will find an appointment quickly.
Does special inheritance law apply in Berlin?
No. Inheritance law is set out in the German Civil Code and applies uniformly nationwide; there is no separate Berlin law. The only Berlin-specific aspect is jurisdiction: which probate court handles your case depends on the deceased's last place of residence.
Do I have to come to the office in person?
No. An in-person appointment in Berlin-Wilmersdorf is possible but not required. Many estate cases I handle entirely by phone, email and video conference, throughout Germany. You can send documents digitally.
What if co-heirs refuse to cooperate?
A community of heirs can only dispose of the estate jointly, so individual co-heirs can block decisions. If no agreement can be reached, the partition, the sale of the share, or the partition auction resolve the deadlock. I assess which route is fastest for you.
What forms part of the estate?
On death the entire assets pass to the heirs as a whole (section 1922 German Civil Code). That includes not only accounts, property and valuables but also ongoing contracts and debts. Digital access rights and user accounts also fall into the estate, as the Federal Court of Justice held in 2018 for a social network.
Your inheritance case in Berlin, get an assessment.
Tell me about your situation. You will receive a clear, discreet initial assessment, in person in Berlin or by video.
Contact me now