Application for Issuance of a Certificate of Inheritance in Turkey
A certificate of inheritance is a fundamental document in inheritance law, proving the entitlement and authority of heirs to claim and manage the estate. For estates located in Turkey, a Turkish certificate of inheritance (Veraset İlamı) is mandatory. Without this document, heirs cannot legally enforce their claims, and the estate remains inaccessible.
A certificate of inheritance issued in Germany or another country is not automatically recognized in Turkey. According to Turkish law, heirs must apply for a Turkish certificate of inheritance by a Turkish court. Particularly for property transactions (Tapu Müdürlüğü), the Turkish land registry requires a valid Turkish certificate before ownership can be transferred.
Why is a Certificate of Inheritance Necessary in Turkey?
- Proof of Inheritance Rights: A Turkish certificate of inheritance serves as official proof of an heir’s right to manage and distribute the estate. Without this document, heirs cannot file any claims.
- Property Transactions: The Turkish land registry requires a Turkish certificate of inheritance to transfer or sell real estate to heirs.
- Bank Accounts and Financial Assets: Turkish banks require a Turkish certificate of inheritance to release accounts or distribute shares of the inheritance.
- Legal Certainty: A valid certificate protects heirs from potential challenges by third parties and ensures legal clarity in the distribution of the estate.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements: Even if a foreign certificate or a will exists, Turkish law mandates judicial review and approval before any inheritance can be distributed.
- Avoiding Delays: Without a Turkish certificate, estate-related processes may face significant delays, adversely impacting the heirs' interests.
Steps in the Inheritance Certificate Process in Turkey
- Document Review: Verification of the completeness and accuracy of required documents.
- Filing the Application: Submission of the request to the competent Civil Court of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi).
- Court Review: The court evaluates the inheritance rights based on documents and, if necessary, witness statements.
- Issuance of the Certificate: The court issues the Turkish certificate of inheritance upon completion of the process.
Our Services
With extensive experience in international and Turkish inheritance law, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of the process:
- Personalized Consultation: We analyze your case, assess your inheritance rights, and identify the necessary steps.
- Document Preparation and Translation: We ensure notarization, apostille certification, and translation of your documents into Turkish.
- Application Process: We prepare and submit your application to the appropriate courts in Turkey.
- Court Representation: Our experienced attorneys represent you in Turkish courts.
- Estate Administration: Assistance with property transfers, releasing bank accounts, and distributing assets.
- Experience: Decades of expertise in international and Turkish inheritance law.
- Specialization: In-depth understanding of legal requirements and procedures in Turkey.
- Efficiency: Fast and seamless handling of your application.
- Transparency: Regular updates throughout the process.