Lawyer in Prague — Inheritance in the Czech Republic

Quick answers

What law governs an inheritance where the deceased lived in Prague?

Under the EU Succession Regulation, generally the law of the deceased's last habitual residence — Czech law, unless the deceased validly chose the law of their nationality instead.

What is a European Certificate of Succession and do I need one?

It's a uniform document that lets an heir evidence their status in another EU member state — useful, for instance, to transfer Czech real estate to an heir without a separate proceeding in each country.

Legal Context

Cross-border succession within the EU is governed by the EU Succession Regulation (650/2012), which applies to the Czech Republic (Denmark and Ireland are the only member states not bound by it). The general rule applies the law of the deceased's last habitual residence — Czech law, if that was in Prague — unless the deceased validly chose the law of their nationality instead. Heirship in the Czech Republic can be evidenced using the European Certificate of Succession.

When to Contact a Lawyer

For an inheritance involving assets or a deceased person in the Czech Republic, it is worth contacting a lawyer early, particularly to establish the applicable law and arrange a European Certificate of Succession if needed.

Documents to Prepare

• •Death certificate
• •Proof of the deceased's last habitual residence
• •A will, if one exists
• •An overview of the deceased's assets in the Czech Republic and abroad
• •Proof of your relationship to the deceased

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