Inheritance Law Legal Advice
Why You Need an Inheritance Lawyer in Croatia
Inheritance law in Croatia can be complex — especially when it involves real estate, multiple heirs, or international elements. Whether you are a Croatian citizen or a foreign national inheriting property or assets in Croatia, legal clarity and procedural efficiency are essential. At Kontić Legal, we provide tailored legal support in inheritance matters, ensuring that our clients’ rights are protected at every stage, often without them needing to travel to Croatia.
Key Aspects of Inheritance Law in Croatia
Inheritance in Croatia is governed by the Croatian Inheritance Act, which defines who is entitled to inherit, how estates are divided, and the procedure to follow. In general, heirs can inherit either by law (statutory inheritance) or by will (testamentary inheritance). Croatian law also provides mandatory inheritance rights for close family members — known as forced heirs — including children and spouses, who cannot be completely disinherited.
Legal Heirs and Wills
- Statutory heirs: Spouses, children, and other family members inherit in a predefined order.
- Wills: Individuals can dispose of their estate through a legally valid will, within limits set by law.
- Notarial procedure: Inheritance proceedings in Croatia are conducted through a notary public, acting as a court commissioner.
Property Inheritance Law in Croatia: What You Should Know
Real estate is one of the most commonly inherited assets in Croatia. Property inheritance law includes specific procedures, especially when the property is jointly owned or located in rural zones. Kontić Legal assists clients in registering ownership of inherited property and provides legal guidance on land registry matters, legalization, and any necessary documentation.
Support with Real Estate, Co-ownership, and Representation in Probate Proceedings
- Full legal representation in probate proceedings before notaries and courts, including on behalf of clients who cannot attend in person
- Registering inherited property in the land registry
- Legalization of older or unregistered properties
- Resolving co-ownership issues and initiating partition or sale proceedings
- Advising on inheritance tax obligations and exemptions
Changes in Inheritance Law in Croatia
The legal framework for inheritance in Croatia evolves periodically, especially in the context of procedural reforms and European legal harmonization. A recent shift has been the increasing role of notaries and streamlined probate processes. Additionally, Croatia’s alignment with EU regulations impacts cross-border inheritance rights and recognition of foreign wills.
Foreign clients should be aware that different rules may apply based on their nationality and place of residence at the time of death of the decedent. Our firm helps clients understand how changes in inheritance law may affect their specific situation and ensures that all legal actions comply with the current legislation.
Services Offered by Kontić Legal
Our law office assists both domestic and international clients in navigating inheritance proceedings. From reviewing or drafting a will to resolving issues related to property transfer, we guide our clients through the legal process with confidence. We regularly represent heirs residing abroad and act on their behalf in front of Croatian courts and notaries.
Our services include
- Legal representation before Croatian courts and notaries
- Drafting, reviewing, and interpreting wills
- Contesting or defending inheritance claims
- Remote management of probate proceedings
- Property registration and co-ownership resolution
- Recognition of foreign wills or decisions
- Handling translations, apostilles, and legal certifications
Step-by-Step: How the Inheritance Process Works in Croatia
- Reporting the death: The process begins when a death is registered with the competent registry office.
- Probate hearing: A notary initiates a probate procedure, where heirs must declare whether they accept or renounce the inheritance.
- Presentation of documents: Relevant documents are collected — including the will, death certificate, land registry excerpts, and ID of heirs.
- Issuance of inheritance decision: Once the notary assesses the documents and hears the parties, an inheritance decision is issued, confirming the rightful heirs and their shares.
- Property registration: Heirs must register the inherited real estate with the land registry.
Common Inheritance Disputes and How We Resolve Them
Inheritance disputes are not uncommon, especially in cases involving:
- Contested or unclear wills
- Disputes between statutory and testamentary heirs
- Co-owned property disagreements
- Claims from overlooked or disinherited family members
We approach these matters with a combination of assertive legal strategy and a willingness to seek amicable solutions where possible — minimizing conflict while protecting our clients’ interests.
Inheriting Property in Croatia as a Foreigner
Croatian inheritance law applies equally to foreign nationals, though the procedures can be more complex due to cross-border considerations. We frequently represent clients from the EU, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and beyond. With our full-service approach, foreign heirs can resolve property and succession issues from abroad — without needing to attend court in person.
Our Services for Foreign Heirs
- Legal representation before Croatian courts and notaries
- Recognition of foreign wills or decisions
- Remote handling of inheritance documentation and procedures
- Communication in English and Croatian
Why Choose Kontić Legal as Your Inheritance Law Partner
- Extensive experience in inheritance and property law
- Trusted legal support for both Croatian and international clients
- Remote representation — no need to travel to Croatia
- Clear, multilingual communication
- Strategic legal solutions with empathy and efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I inherit property in Croatia if I’m not a Croatian citizen?
Yes. Foreigners can inherit property in Croatia, although additional documentation and procedures may apply.
Do I have to travel to Croatia for the inheritance process?
No. Our office can represent you entirely, and most procedures can be completed without your physical presence.
What happens if there is no will?
The estate is distributed according to Croatian statutory inheritance rules, with spouses and children usually having the primary claim.
Can a will written abroad be valid in Croatia?
Possibly — it depends on the country of origin and form of the will. We help clients with recognition and validation procedures for foreign wills.
Contact Us for Expert Inheritance Legal Advice
If you are dealing with inheritance matters in Croatia — whether as an heir, co-owner, or foreign beneficiary — we are here to help. Contact Kontić Legal to schedule a consultation and let us protect your rights with clarity, discretion, and efficiency.
