Issue a joint certificate of partial inheritance for prior or subsequent heirs
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzWhen a testator dies, they usually leave behind not just one heir, but several. These become part of the so-called community of heirs upon inheritance. The estate is only divided among the individual heirs in accordance with the agreements made once the estate has been settled.
In principle, each individual co-heir can apply for a certificate of inheritance with which they can identify themselves to third parties as the rightful heir. However, if the community of heirs wishes to act jointly and deal with banks, insurers and the land registry, a joint certificate of inheritance is often required.
The joint certificate of inheritance is issued for the inheritance rights of several, but not all, co-heirs at the request of a co-heir if, for example, a co-heir has emigrated and therefore cannot be contacted.
The order and duration of use of the estate is determined by the arrangement of a prior and subsequent inheritance in the will. The testator appoints a person as a prior heir who can use the inheritance for a certain period of time. The subsequent heir only becomes the testator's heir when the prior inheritance ends.
The certificate of inheritance issued to the prior heirs must state that a subsequent heir has been appointed, the conditions under which this occurs and who the subsequent heir is.