Verklaring van erfrecht

An inheritance certificate is a notarial instrument drawn up by a notary following the death of an individual. It determines, on the basis of any will or the rules of intestate succession, the identity of the heirs and the rights and powers they hold, including the management, sale or division of the estate.

The certificate is of particular significance because banks, public authorities and other third parties routinely require formal proof of heirship before permitting heirs to carry out transactions in relation to the estate, such as releasing bank balances or effecting the transfer of real property.

In practice, the heirs apply to a notary for the certificate. The notary investigates the estate and any testamentary dispositions before the deed is executed.