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An estate inventory serves as an official legal document for the deceased’s estate and is intended to show which individuals or organizations are entitled to inherit from the deceased, as well as which assets and liabilities existed in the estate on the date of death. Without an estate inventory, the inheritance cannot be distributed, and the deceased’s bank accounts and other assets cannot be closed or sold.

In certain cases, a death estate notification may be made instead of an estate inventory. A death estate notification is handled by the municipality and may be applicable if the deceased’s assets do not cover the existing debts. There are certain exceptions where a death estate notification cannot be made even if the debts exceed the assets, for example if the estate includes real property or site leasehold rights.

It is usually best to seek assistance from a lawyer when preparing an estate inventory. By working with a lawyer, you ensure that everything is handled correctly, that any will is formally communicated in the proper manner, that the correct parties are called to the estate inventory proceedings, and that the assets and liabilities are accurately recorded in the estate inventory document. An incorrectly prepared estate inventory can delay the entire process by several months and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to increased costs. Contact us and we will help you with a flexible solution tailored to your needs and wishes.