To begin with
You do not need to compile a complete file before the first meeting. This list helps you collect in a targeted way and understand the purpose of each document.
“Write down one difficult situation without words like always, never, honest, dishonest or intended.”
On this page
For the first contact
Start with the name of the deceased, date and place of death, your contact details and a brief description of the family. Immediately mention anything urgent: a debt, lack of funds, a planned sale or a disagreement.
Bring your own identity document to the appointment. For further file development, we will agree on how you can securely provide the required personal data and documents. You do not need to include these in a first general email.
Family and existing agreements
| What helps? | Why do we need this? |
|---|---|
| Death certificate and family information | To identify the file and examine inheritance. |
| Marriage contract and any amendments | To first understand what is personal, communal or contractually assigned. |
| Will, inheritance agreement and gift documents | Because they can affect entitlements and fiscal treatment. |
| Information about a previously deceased partner or heir | Because an earlier estate may be needed to understand current rights. |
| Information on minority status, guardianship or foreign residences | To investigate correct representation and any special rules. |
Practical tip. Bring the original of any found holographic will. Feel free to make a copy for your overview, but do not alter or describe the original.
Assets, debts and insurance
Provide what you have: bank names, account statements, deeds of ownership, credit data, policies and invoices. For a business, company details and accountant contact information are also useful. Explicitly indicate foreign assets.
If a document is missing, note where it is likely to be found. "At bank X, still to be requested" is more useful than omitting the item completely. The office will indicate which additional information is needed.
Practical tip. Also mention money that someone still owes to the deceased and gifts not handled via a civil-law notary. These will not necessarily appear in the documents you find spontaneously.
Five questions to note in advance
- What needs to be resolved by me in the short term?
- Which assets or debts am I unsure about?
- Which prior arrangements might be important?
- Who bears the consequences of a sale, acceptance or division?
- What do I want to do myself and which follow-up do I want to entrust to the office?
Take someone with you if that helps you listen and remember. Clearly discuss whether that person is only supporting or also receives a valid power of attorney for certain acts.
What do you want to know after the initial meeting?
Ask for a concrete answer on three points: what is the next step, who will take it and when must it happen? Also ask for an explanation of the cost estimate and what is or is not included.
An open question is not a failure of the meeting. It is important, however, that it is clear what evidence or investigation is needed to answer it.
An example to start with
RECOGNISED IN PRACTICE
You are managing the administration of a deceased relative. Some documents are available, others are still missing. Note what you have already done, who is involved and which question you want to discuss first.
An illustrative example. Your own situation may be different.
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 notaire and the progress of the declaration.
Help with subscriptions and administrationEASY PREPARATION
A checklist for your next step
Choose your subject. You will receive a concrete list of documents with simple explanations and help with what is still missing.
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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