Immediate Steps
What to do after a death — steps, deadlines, emergency file
The first 48 hours, the first six weeks and the first three months after a death have firm legal deadlines — and heirs are regularly overstrained in this state of exception. Main guide on the first steps, detail answer on every deadline and a practical guide to the emergency file.
The main guide
What to Do When Someone Dies: The First Steps and Deadlines
What to do when a loved one dies: the most important steps in the first hours, days and weeks. Totenschein, Sterbeurkunde, Erbschein, deadlines, common mistakes.
Read the full guideDetail answers
Concrete case constellations and detail questions around was tun wenn jemand stirbt — building on the main guide.
Erbfall 2026: Steps and Deadlines
An Erbfall brings grief and legal duties at the same time. Which deadlines start running immediately, what you have to do as an heir, and where mistakes get expensive.
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Setting up a Notfallordner: checklist in 7 categories
Set up a Notfallordner (emergency folder for German estate planning) step by step: 7 categories from power of attorney to digital legacy. What belongs in it and where to keep it.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
The questions clients ask most frequently in advisory work around was tun wenn jemand stirbt.
What has to happen in the first 48 hours?
Doctor's death certificate, notification of the registry office (Standesamt), search for the Testament. The Sterbeurkunde is the central document for all further steps — banks, insurances, authorities. Without it, virtually nothing moves.
Where is the Testament delivered?
Anyone in possession of a Testament must hand it over to the probate court (Nachlassgericht) immediately upon learning of the death (§ 2259 BGB). Failure can incur damages liability. Notarial Testamente automatically reach the court via the Notarverzeichnis.
What is the Erbschein and do I need one?
The Erbschein is the official document on the heir's status. Required for: real estate (land register), substantial bank assets, business participations. Not required: notarial Testament with execution proceedings, smaller estates with a single heir.
When does Erbschaftsteuer have to be filed?
Notification to the tax office within 3 months of gaining knowledge (§ 30 ErbStG). Tax return only upon request from the tax office, with a deadline of regularly 1 to 3 months. Tip: prepare voluntarily — the deadline is shorter than you think.
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In the initial consultation we clarify your wealth and family situation, examine the suitable strategy and develop a concrete roadmap — without legal idling.
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