Knowledge centre

Certificates of inheritance and international connections

A certificate of inheritance documents heir status. Article 598 of the Turkish Civil Code provides for a certificate issued by a civil court or notary to persons established to be statutory heirs. Where a matter has an international connection, the available application route requires separate consideration.

These explanations provide general information and do not replace an assessment of individual circumstances.

What information matters?

Family relationships with the deceased, the countries where known assets are located and available estate documents help establish the context.

Does the same approach apply in every case?

An international connection may matter to the assessment. The countries involved, where documents were prepared and the connection to Türkiye are considered together. Living abroad does not mean that the same procedure applies to every matter.

Short questions

What is a Turkish certificate of inheritance used for?

A certificate of inheritance documents heir status. Article 598 of the Turkish Civil Code provides for a certificate issued by a civil court or notary to persons established to be statutory heirs. Where a matter has an international connection, the available application route requires separate consideration.

What information helps with an initial conversation?

Family relationships with the deceased, the countries where known assets are located and available estate documents help establish the context.

Does an initial enquiry mean the matter has been accepted?

No. The matter, scope of work and potential conflicts of interest must first be considered. Acceptance of the matter and the terms of engagement are expressly agreed separately.

Official source: Türk Medeni Kanunu — madde 598

Nurbanu Ömeroğlu