GermanyHow do I disclaim an inheritance?
You must formally disclaim the inheritance by filing a written declaration with the local probate court (Nachlassgericht) within six weeks of learning about your entitlement — no exceptions.
What the Law Says
German law treats inheritance as automatic upon death — but you have a strict right to reject it. This disclaimer must follow precise legal rules to be valid.
Under German civil law, an inheritance passes to the designated heir immediately upon the deceased’s death (BGB § 1942(1)). However, this transfer is conditional: you may reject it entirely — a process called 'Ausschlagung'. Importantly, the state (Fiskus), when named as statutory heir, cannot disclaim (BGB § 1942(2)).
To disclaim, you must submit a formal declaration to the probate court (Nachlassgericht) — either recorded in the court’s official minutes (Niederschrift) or notarized (öffentlich beglaubigt) (BGB § 1945(1)). If acting through a representative, they must hold a publicly certified power of attorney, submitted with or before the end of the deadline (BGB § 1945(3)).
Statutory TextDie Erbschaft geht auf den berufenen Erben unbeschadet des Rechts über, sie auszuschlagen (Anfall der Erbschaft).
— BGB § 1942 — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDie Ausschlagung erfolgt durch Erklärung gegenüber dem Nachlassgericht; die Erklärung ist zur Niederschrift des Nachlassgerichts oder in öffentlich beglaubigter Form abzugeben.
— BGB § 1945 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts strictly enforce the deadline and formal requirements for disclaiming an inheritance — missing either invalidates the disclaimer.
The Federal Court of Justice confirmed that the six-week deadline to disclaim begins when the heir gains actual knowledge of both the inheritance and their status as heir. Late filings are treated as acceptance — and reversal is generally impossible.
What to Do
Confirm your status as heir and the date you first learned of it — this starts the 6-week clock.
Visit or contact your local Nachlassgericht (probate court) — find yours via the Amtsgericht directory.
Submit your disclaimer either in person (for official court minutes) or via notary (publicly certified declaration).
If using a representative, ensure their notarized power of attorney is attached or submitted before the deadline ends.
Sources
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JapanNot 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.