What does this regulate?
01 · UNDERSTAND
An estate can include assets and debts. The choice of inheritance determines how you are bound to it. In case of doubt about debts, that choice deserves attention before you divide, sell or take up assets.
Besides pure acceptance, there are acceptance under the estate inventory privilege and renunciation. Specific rules apply for formal statements and settlement. We review which information is available and which steps are appropriate.
A RECOGNISABLE SITUATION
You unexpectedly receive reminders after the death. Before you divide assets from the residence, we look at the debts, your position and the possible consequences of each inheritance choice.
What requires attention?
02 · CHOOSE CONSCIOUSLY
Certain behaviours can imply acceptance. Additional safeguards apply to minors or protected persons. Renunciation may have consequences for those who inherit after you.
Also explain what was agreed earlier and where doubts remain. A regulation can only be appropriately developed if facts and wishes are clear.
More points to consider for your own situation
03 · YOUR INTENTION
You do not need to be able to answer all this in advance. Your doubts are also a good starting point.
Click on a question for an initial explanation or practical tip. You do not need to have an answer to everything yet.
Which assets and debts are known?
Gather account balances, ownership details, loans and outstanding invoices. Note unknown items separately; an incomplete overview is not yet a basis for a choice.
Have you already withdrawn money, sold assets or made agreements?
Make an exact list of what you have already done, with dates and proof. Discuss these actions before you further dispose of goods or money from the estate.
Are there minor children who may be affected by your choice?
Provide all children and their birthdates. Before deciding, check whether and how minors might be involved.
Is there a business, guarantee or disputed debt?
Also mention possible guarantees, professional debts and disputes, even if the amount is unknown. Add available contracts and letters.
Are urgent actions needed to preserve assets?
Immediately describe what requires urgent protection, such as a leak, animals or an uninsured property. Ask which precautionary measure is appropriate without pre-empting your inheritance choice.
What do we need, and why?
04 · PREPARATION
Bring what you already have. We will agree on any additional documents the office needs to request. The final list depends on your file.
Identity and contact details
To correctly identify the persons involved and their capacity. Provide identity documents via the channel we agree with you.
Death details and family overview
To determine your position and possible subsequent heirs.
Letters from creditors and bank information
To assess known risks.
Overview of actions already taken
To check whether your choice is still open.
Details of protected or minor persons involved
To investigate the necessary authorisations.
Is something missing? Mention it in your application. An initial meeting does not have to wait until you have gathered everything yourself.
What does NotaLegal do for you?
05 · GUIDANCE
We explain the options and guide you through the required declaration and the subsequent procedure. For certain renunciations, there is a statutory cost-free arrangement; we check whether this applies to your situation.
You will receive a draft for discussion. We review your questions and agree the final version before signing. Afterwards, we explain which preservation, registration or further execution applies to your document.
Know in advance what to expect.
06 · FEES
Statutory tariff where legally established
For deeds with a legally established fee, we apply that tariff. The total settlement also includes, depending on the file, taxes, dossier costs, third-party expenses and VAT. For services without a legally established fee, we agree the remuneration in advance.
You will receive a clear explanation in advance regarding the costs of your transaction. We discuss the services your file requires and distinguish between fee, taxes and other costs.
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Substantive background: notaris.be · Renouncing an inheritance
General explanation for preparing your meeting. Foreign ties, previous documents and your concrete situation may change the outcome. Sources and legal explanation.