To begin with
The declaration has been submitted. Perhaps the accounts are free and a division has been agreed. Nevertheless, it is useful to review together once what has actually been executed.
"A promise gains meaning in three moments: preparation, execution and the reaction when something fails."
Your questions, step by step
At the end of an estate, it helps to see what has been settled, which documents to keep and which practical matters remain open.
Read the subjects below. If the inheritance tax return is not yet complete, also read how to prepare the return. Ask the office about anything unclear in the final account or the remaining steps.
On this page
A statement of account that you can follow
Request an overview that separates the amounts received, costs paid, distributions and remaining items. A total amount without explanation is difficult to verify. Each payment should clearly state which arrangement or obligation it is based on.
Also consider which costs may still follow. Is a bank statement final? Are we waiting on an insurer? Does a deed still need to be executed? The word 'completed' applies to a concrete list of finished tasks.
A simple example
The house has been sold, but a final statement of account from the co-ownership is still missing. Then the sale can be completed while a financial matter remains open. Record who receives that statement and how the family is informed about it.
Which documents are you keeping together?
- The filed return, the attachments and the receipt.
- The assessment notice and payment receipts.
- The certificate or deed of inheritance and any deeds of distribution.
- The statement of account and arrangements about any further actions to be taken.
- Important valuation reports and correspondence about special matters.
Practical tip. Keep definitive documents in a separate folder. Put drafts elsewhere so you do not later doubt which version applies. Ask the office how you can safely retrieve your copies.
Which practical matters still lie with the family?
Tax and notarial work does not automatically take over daily management. Check who follows up on the house, insurances, contracts and mail. For payment of invoices via the office, clear instructions and the necessary authority are required.
Make three concrete agreements rather than one general sentence such as 'we will arrange it later.' For example: who receives the letter, who requests an explanation and who provides the family with the outcome?
Something else may come to light later
An unknown bill, a later insurance payment or a new document can have consequences. Deliver the item quickly to the office and state when it came to light. Not every addition follows the same procedure; a corrective or new return may be necessary.
Have an investigation made into what the new information means. Do not wait on the assumption that the tax authorities will automatically adjust everything.
What changes for your own future?
You may now only manage the assets, have inherited a house or bear more responsibility for children. Take time to see if your own documents still fit. An existing will or mandat de protection extrajudiciaire / extrajudicial protection mandate may deserve renewed explanation.
That does not all need to happen during the settlement. You can first complete the inheritance and later arrange a separate meeting. Your own questions determine whether a next assignment is necessary.
More about succession planning ↗Frequently Asked Questions
FROM READING TO PREPARATION
Already a first answer.
What can I do if many things happen to me at once?
Start with one overview: contacts, received letters, ongoing appointments and questions. Use the topics and checklist on this page to divide the preparation. Immediately mention dated letters to the office.
Must one heir collect everything alone?
You can divide practical tasks among yourselves and keep track of who has which information. That alone does not indicate who may legally act. Discuss with the office who provides information and who should be involved in decisions.
Where can I find help with administration?
Our separate page about administration after death bundles practical information for subscriptions and services. The inheritance guide also assists you with the documents for the civil-law notary and the progress of the declaration.
Help with subscriptions and administrationEASY PREPARATION
Your overview at the end of an estate
Review together which documents, payments and practical matters still need attention. If the return is still outstanding, you can prepare that step separately.
Useful websites on this topic
RELIABLE CONTINUED READING
FROM FIRST QUESTION TO NEXT STEP
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Getting an overview
We bring together those involved, available documents and your questions.
Understanding choices
We discuss what needs to be examined and which decisions lie ahead.
Further settlement
We agree on which formalities the office will handle and what else is required from you.
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