Inheritance & Probate Law · Europe
Protect What’s Yours With an Inheritance Lawyer Who Knows the Rules
When someone close to you passes away, the legal questions arrive at the worst possible time — who is entitled to what, which law applies, and how to settle an estate without fracturing the family. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted inheritance lawyer who handles succession cases in your European country every day, from contesting a will through navigating forced-heirship rules.
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Who this is for
Inheritance law touches almost every family, yet few people know how it works until they must
Inheritance law governs what happens to a person’s assets after they die — who receives property, money and possessions, and under what conditions. If you are an heir trying to understand your rights, a surviving spouse or partner facing a contested claim, a child excluded from a will, or someone dealing with a foreign estate you never expected to manage, the rules can feel opaque and the stakes deeply personal. Most European countries apply forced-heirship principles that reserve a share of the estate for close relatives, while others give greater freedom to distribute as a will directs — and the outcome depends heavily on which country’s law governs. An inheritance lawyer clarifies your position, identifies what you are actually entitled to, and helps you secure it without unnecessary conflict or delay.
Why families get stuck
Inheritance disputes rarely start over money.
They start over rules nobody explained.
Each country applies its own succession rules, and a misunderstanding can turn a straightforward inheritance into a years-long dispute.
Unclear entitlement
Without legal guidance, heirs rarely know whether a surviving spouse, a child or a distant relative actually has a claim — or what share the law guarantees them regardless of what a will says.
Family conflict over the estate
Siblings who disagree on valuations, relatives who appear only when an asset is at stake, and verbal promises that were never put in writing are among the most common triggers of long, costly inheritance disputes.
A foreign or unfamiliar estate
When assets, property or accounts sit in another country, a different set of succession rules can apply — and acting on the wrong assumption can invalidate your claim or trigger unintended tax consequences.
What you get
An inheritance lawyer who clarifies your position and protects your share
We only match you with lawyers who handle inheritance and succession cases regularly in the country that matters to your case.
Clear assessment of your rights
Your lawyer explains exactly who is entitled to what under the governing law, so you understand your true position before you negotiate, sign anything or walk away from a claim.
Guidance through forced-heirship rules
Where a country reserves a portion of the estate for close family, your lawyer explains how that applies to your situation and whether the will can be challenged or must be followed.
Representation in disputes
If a will is contested or a claim is made against you, your lawyer defends your interests in negotiation, mediation or, where necessary, before the relevant court.
Cross-border estate guidance
When the estate spans more than one country, your lawyer helps determine which succession law applies and coordinates the steps needed to settle it correctly across borders.
Coverage
Inheritance lawyers across Europe
Succession law is set nationally and varies considerably from one country to the next, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the jurisdiction that governs your case. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Inheritance — common questions
What does an inheritance lawyer actually do?
An inheritance lawyer advises heirs, executors and beneficiaries on their rights and obligations after a death. They help establish which succession law applies, identify who is entitled to what, guide the settlement of the estate and represent you in any dispute over a will or a claim.
Am I entitled to a share even if I am not named in the will?
In many European countries, yes. Most jurisdictions follow forced-heirship rules that reserve a portion of the estate for close relatives such as children or a surviving spouse, regardless of what the will says. Whether this applies to you depends on the governing law, which a lawyer can confirm.
Which country’s inheritance law applies to my case?
This varies. Many countries apply the law of the deceased’s last habitual residence, while others look to nationality, and the EU Succession Regulation allows a choice of law in certain situations. A lawyer can determine which rules govern your specific estate.
How long do I have to claim an inheritance?
Deadlines differ by country and can range from a few months to several years, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the claim. Acting promptly is important, as missing a statutory window can mean losing your rights — a lawyer can confirm the deadline that applies to you.
Can a will be challenged?
Yes, in most jurisdictions a will can be contested on specific grounds, such as doubts over the testator’s capacity or undue influence, or because it fails to respect forced-heirship rights. A lawyer can assess whether a challenge is realistic and what it would involve.
What should I do first when I learn I am an heir?
Gather any documents you have — the will, death certificate, and details of assets and debts — and seek legal advice before signing or renouncing anything. Accepting or rejecting an inheritance can have significant consequences, and a lawyer can help you make an informed decision.
Free case review
Know where you stand before you act
Tell us about your situation and we’ll connect you with an inheritance lawyer who handles cases like yours in the relevant country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.