German inheritance law, explained in English
Practical articles for families in the US and Germany — on inheriting across borders, estate planning, German citizenship and visas.
All postsLiving in the US, inheriting from GermanyLiving in Germany, inheriting from the USEstate planning: US and GermanyNews & insights
Your U.S. Trust Has a Beneficiary in Germany? Here Is What the German Tax Office Sees
For many American families, the revocable living trust is the backbone of the estate plan. It avoids probate, keeps matters private, and lets a successor trustee take over [...]
Free Webinar: Inheriting Assets in Germany — What U.S. Heirs Need to Know
This webinar took place on 14 September 2026. Our next free webinar: see upcoming webinars & events. On Monday, 14 September 2026, I will be speaking with The [...]
Two Cities, One Conversation: Reflections from Our Hamburg and Berlin Seminars
Over the past week, our free seminar series — Your Family. Your Estate. — German Inheritance Law — took to the road, with sessions first in Hamburg and then [...]
Inheriting in Germany as a U.S. Citizen: What You Need to Know Before You Do Anything
If you are an American who has just learned you stand to inherit property, a bank account, or a family home in Germany, your first instinct may be [...]
What I Do – Explained in 2 Minutes
Inheriting assets in Germany from the U.S. means dealing with German probate courts, German tax offices, and German paperwork — usually all at once, and all in German. [...]
German Inheritance Taxes
When Does German Inheritance Tax Reach U.S. Heirs? A Practitioner's Overview Many of my U.S.-based clients are surprised to learn that Germany may tax their inheritance even [...]
The Berliner Testament: A Familiar Form, an Unfamiliar Trap for German-American Couples
Why the classic German joint will so often misfires once one spouse is a U.S. person, U.S. resident, or owns U.S.-situs assets What the Berliner Testament Actually Is [...]
Inheriting Debt – Risks of German Inheritance Law
🎙️ I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Verdict Signal podcast last week, in an episode titled "Inheriting Debt" — and the title gets at exactly the issue most [...]
What You Need to Know About the German Erbschein
What you need to know about the German Erbschein If you have inherited — or expect to inherit — assets in Germany, there is one document that will [...]
Do You Need a German Erbschein? A Guide for U.S. Heirs
Do You Need a German Erbschein? A Guide for U.S. Heirs Do You Need a German Erbschein? A Guide for U.S. Heirs Why Your U.S. Probate Order Is [...]
German Inheritance Tax for U.S. Heirs
German Inheritance Tax for U.S. Heirs Why It Is Not “Just a U.S. Problem” If you live in the United States and inherit money or property from a [...]
Transferring Property in Germany
Transferring Property in Germany Why It Is Not “Just Signing a Deed” If you live in the United States and own property in Germany — or inherit it [...]
German inheritance law, explained on video
I recorded these videos to answer the questions US families ask me most often — so you know who you will be talking to before we ever speak.
What to do after a death in GermanyVideo · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
Everything you need to know about the German ErbscheinVideo · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
German inheritance tax explained: when US heirs must payVideo · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explainsQuick answers in under a minute
Do Americans pay German inheritance tax?Video · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
Do you have to travel to Germany to claim an inheritance?Video · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
The German bank wants an Erbschein — what now?Video · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
Disinherited by a German parent? The compulsory shareVideo · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explains
Can I sell an inherited house in Germany from the US?Video · Nicola S. Casper-Hoesl explainsAsk a German attorney.
In a free 15-minute video call we tell you what applies to you — in English or German.