Your guide to inheritance lawyers in Denmark

Denmark at a glance

How inheritance law works in Denmark

Danish succession law is governed by the Arveloven (Succession Act) and administered partly by the district courts acting as probate courts. Inheritance disputes follow the ordinary court hierarchy: district courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court, with civil cases handled digitally through minretssag.dk. The protected title ‘advokat’ guarantees a minimum standard of training and professional oversight.

Danish succession and forced heirship

The Arveloven reserves one quarter of the estate for the surviving spouse and descendants as forced inheritance (tvangsarv), which cannot be disposed of by will. The remaining three quarters may be freely bequeathed. This restriction often leads to disputes, especially in blended families or cross-border estates, so local advice is essential.

Who may act as your inheritance lawyer

The title ‘advokat’ is protected by law and reserved for lawyers appointed by the Minister of Justice. Admission requires a Danish law degree, at least three years of practical legal work, and completion of mandatory advocate training and examinations. Holding oneself out as an advokat without appointment is a criminal offence, providing a guarantee of professional qualification.

Court structure for inheritance disputes

Inheritance matters are first heard by the 24 district courts, which also act as probate courts. Appeals go to the Eastern or Western High Court, and the Supreme Court in Copenhagen is the final instance, generally only after permission from the Appeals Permission Board. Cases are conducted digitally through the minretssag.dk portal.

Digital probate and land registration

Denmark has no notarial system for transferring real property. Rights over immovable property are recorded in the Land Register through a fully digital procedure (Tinglysning) using MitID. Registration of a deed establishes ownership and third-party protection, but there is no notarial requirement; the person registering bears legal responsibility for the content.

Court fees and legal aid

A basic court fee of 750 DKK applies to claims up to 100,000 DKK and 1,500 DKK for larger claims, payable electronically. Losing parties generally pay the winner’s legal costs. Free legal aid (fri proces) may cover fees and costs if your income is below the statutory thresholds and you apply to the Civilstyrelsen.

Cross-border succession and EU rules

For individuals with assets in more than one country, EU Regulation 650/2012 allows a testator to elect their national law to govern the succession. This can interact with Danish forced heirship rules, so a lawyer familiar with both Danish and European succession law can help you structure a valid estate plan.

Data compiled from official Danish sources, the European e-Justice Portal, and public legal information, last verified in 2025.

• European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems: Denmark
• Advokatsamfundet – Practising in Denmark
• Retsinformation – Limitation Act (Forældelsesloven)
• Retsinformation – Administration of Justice Act (appeal deadlines)
• Retsinformation – Marriage Act (divorce)
• Borger.dk – Complaint deadlines
• Retsinformation – Salaried Employees Act (notice periods)
• Civilstyrelsen – Free legal aid (fri proces)
• Retsinformation – Succession Act (forced heirship)
• Minretssag – Danish court digital portal
• Domstol.dk – Land Registration Court