Must I inherit the deceased's debts?
How the answer differs across 2 jurisdictions
GermanyFull article The Short Answer
Yes, as an heir in Germany, you are personally liable for the deceased's debts unless you disclaim the inheritance or limit liability through estate administration.
100% liability
Personal liability if accepted
6 weeks
Deadline to disclaim
Limited liability
Via Nachlassverwaltung
Pflichtteilsrecht
Forced share debts included
JapanFull article The Short Answer
No, you do not automatically inherit the deceased's debts in Japan. You can avoid liability by renouncing inheritance within three months of learning about the death.
3 months
Renunciation deadline
¥10,000
Court fee
Notarized
Submission method
Joint liability
If accepted
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.