Inheritance Law · Europe
Assert Your Inheritance Claim Before It Slips Away
Whether you have been left out of a will, denied a share you believe the law entitles you to, or named but never paid, the clock is already running. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted inheritance lawyer who assesses and pursues your claim in the relevant European country, from the reserved share to claims against an estate.
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Who this is for
Being left out of a will does not always mean you have no right to inherit
An inheritance claim is a formal demand to receive a share of, or payment from, an estate that has not come to you, because you were omitted from a will, because the will is being ignored, or because assets have not been distributed as they should have been. In many European countries the law protects certain relatives through what is often called a forced or reserved share, meaning a spouse or children cannot simply be disinherited, at least not entirely. Elsewhere, a dependant may claim financial provision from the estate, or a named beneficiary may need to enforce a legacy that an executor has failed to pay. The strength of any claim depends heavily on which country’s law governs the estate, and the deadlines can be short. We match you with a lawyer who evaluates your entitlement honestly and pursues it properly in the relevant jurisdiction.
Why valid claims are lost
Most inheritance claims fail for one reason.
They are made too late, or not made at all.
Heirs often assume they have no recourse when a will leaves them out — when in fact the law may protect them, if they act in time.
Assuming you have no rights
Many people wrongly believe a will is the final word. In several European countries, a spouse or child is entitled to a reserved share of the estate regardless of what the will says — but only if a claim is brought within the legal deadline.
Missing the deadline
Claims against an estate are subject to strict time limits that vary by country, sometimes measured in months rather than years. Once the period lapses, a claim that would have succeeded can be permanently lost.
A legacy that is never paid
Being named in a will is not the same as receiving your inheritance. Executors can delay, dispute or withhold payment, and enforcing your entitlement may require formal steps you cannot take without legal help.
What you get
A lawyer who assesses and pursues your claim properly
We only match you with lawyers who handle inheritance claims and forced-heirship matters in the relevant country.
Honest assessment first
Your lawyer reviews the will, the family circumstances and the governing law, then tells you plainly whether you have a claim, what it is worth and whether pursuing it is sensible.
Deadlines secured
Claim periods are identified and met, and any necessary notices or court filings are made on time, so your entitlement is not lost through a procedural slip.
Your share calculated
Where a reserved share or dependant’s provision applies, your lawyer works out what you are legally entitled to and builds the evidence to support the full amount.
Enforcement of legacies
If you are a named beneficiary who has not been paid, your lawyer presses the executor or administrator and, where needed, enforces your entitlement through the proper channels.
Coverage
Inheritance claim lawyers across Europe
Forced-heirship rules, dependant’s provisions and claim deadlines are set nationally and differ sharply across Europe. We match inheritance claim cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Inheritance claims — common questions
What is a reserved or forced share?
It is a portion of an estate that the law reserves for certain relatives — commonly a spouse and children — regardless of what a will says. The people protected and the size of the share vary considerably from one European country to another, so local advice is essential.
I have been left out of a will. Can I still claim?
In many cases, yes — provided you are a relative the law protects and you act within the applicable deadline. Some jurisdictions reserve a fixed share for close family, while others allow dependants to claim financial provision. A lawyer can tell you quickly whether you have grounds.
How long do I have to make an inheritance claim?
Deadlines vary by country and can be short, sometimes running from the death or from when you learned of the will. Because the period differs so widely and a missed deadline can end your claim, you should seek advice as soon as you believe you may be entitled.
What is a claim against an estate?
It is a demand for payment or provision from an estate, such as a reserved-share claim by a relative, a dependant’s claim for financial support, or a beneficiary’s enforcement of a legacy that has not been honoured. The procedures and deadlines differ by jurisdiction.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
Typically the will, proof of your relationship to the deceased, and evidence of the estate’s value and assets. Your lawyer will tell you exactly what is needed in the governing jurisdiction and will gather and present it in the required form.
Can a lawyer negotiate my claim without going to court?
Yes. Many inheritance claims are settled through negotiation once a well-founded claim is put to the other parties or the estate. A lawyer will pursue a fair settlement first and turn to the courts only if negotiation does not succeed.
Free case review
Find out what you are actually entitled to inherit
Tell us about your situation and we’ll connect you with an inheritance lawyer who assesses and pursues claims in the relevant country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.