Estate Administration
Security · Management · Settlement of unknown inheritances
What is estate administration? Estate administration serves to secure and properly settle an estate – especially when heirs are unknown or unreachable.
Why us? With over 14 years of experience, we are appointed as estate administrators by numerous probate courts in the Rhine-Main area.
When is estate custodianship ordered?
Typical situations in which the probate court appoints an estate administrator
Unknown heirs
When the heir is unknown and needs to be identified. We conduct professional heir searches and secure the estate until clarification.
Uncertain inheritance acceptance
When it is uncertain whether the heir has accepted the inheritance. During this transition period, we secure the estate from deterioration or loss of value.
Security need
When there is a security need before acceptance of the inheritance – such as threatened neglect of real estate or ongoing business operations.
Heirs abroad
When heirs live abroad and cannot act promptly. We handle the administration and communication on site.
Minor heirs
For the protection of minor heirs, estate custodianship can be ordered until a guardian is appointed or majority is reached.
Partial estate custodianship
If the requirements only exist for the share of one co-heir, estate custodianship is only ordered for this portion.
Tasks of the estate administrator
Our services as court-appointed estate administrators
Estate security
We secure the estate from deterioration, theft or loss of value and ensure proper custody of all assets.
- Securing real estate
- Custody of valuables
- Termination of ongoing contracts
- Management of bank accounts
Heir search
We identify unknown heirs through systematic research in archives, registry offices and with professional heir searchers.
- Genealogy & family tree
- International research
- Cooperation with authorities
- Documentation of heir status
Estate administration
We manage the estate properly and economically until handover to the identified heirs.
- Ongoing administration
- Settlement of liabilities
- Enforcement of claims
- Regular reporting
Estate handover
After identifying the heirs, we hand over the estate properly and prepare a complete accounting.
- Preparation of estate inventory
- Final accounting
- Handover to heirs
- Discharge by court
Process of estate custodianship
From appointment to estate handover
Appointment by probate court
The probate court orders estate custodianship and appoints us as estate administrator. We receive a certificate of appointment as legitimation.
Estate security
We immediately secure the estate: apartment, valuables, bank accounts. Ongoing contracts are reviewed and terminated if necessary.
Heir search
Systematic search for the rightful heirs through research in archives, at registry offices and if necessary with professional heir searchers.
Ongoing administration
During the investigation, we properly manage the estate, settle liabilities and report regularly to the court.
Estate handover
After determining the heirs, we hand over the estate with complete accounting. The court grants us discharge and ends the custodianship.
Your contacts
Experienced estate administrators for your matters
ALEXANDER HÖVEL
Paralegal
Frequently asked questions about estate administration
Estate custodianship is ordered when heirs are unknown or the estate needs to be secured. Estate administration serves to protect creditors and separates the estate from the heirs' private assets. Both institutions serve to secure and properly settle the estate.
Do you need professional legal advice?
Our experienced lawyers are at your service
With over 35 years of experience in insolvency administration and estate management, we offer you competent advice and reliable solutions for your legal challenges.