Our legal services
Help with Dutch executors and probate
We assist international heirs, beneficiaries and executors with every aspect of a Dutch inheritance. Legal representation, practical help in the Netherlands, or full administration of an estate you cannot manage from abroad.
Many of our clients live abroad and cannot easily travel to the Netherlands. We frequently assist heirs, beneficiaries and executors in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia with a wide range of Dutch probate and estate-settlement issues. Almost all Dutch inheritance matters can be handled remotely: you do not need to travel.
Legal help with Dutch inheritance and executors
Foreign heirs often struggle when Dutch executors fail to communicate, delay the process or withhold information. We protect your rights and make sure the estate is handled properly.
- Accepting, settling and distributing a Dutch inheritance
- Determining whether a Dutch executor is acting lawfully and within their authority
- Enforcing inheritance rights and collecting payments owed to heirs or estate creditors
- Acting as substitute executor, estate administrator or NOVEX-certified liquidator if local representation is required
- Acting as court-appointed liquidator in complex or disputed Dutch estates
- Locating and recovering misappropriated assets, including for families of Jewish heritage whose property was wrongfully taken
- Obtaining the necessary Dutch probate documents, such as the certificate of inheritance
When an executor refuses to provide an inventory, we can compel proper disclosure through the court.
Recently, we helped a UK-based heir resolve a stalled estate where the executor had stopped communicating, without the client needing to travel.
Representation in Dutch probate court
Some estates require court involvement, especially when executors fail in their duties or heirs need formal authority over assets. We also represent heirs abroad in Dutch inheritance disputes, including cases involving paternity or the recognition of heirs after death.
We represent heirs and executors in proceedings to:
- Confirm inheritance claims after the first parent has passed away
- Obtain authority to transfer or sell real estate and other assets
- Remove an executor or administrator who is failing in their duties
- Grant heirs formal power of disposition over the estate
- Decide which estate assets are sold and how the proceeds are handled
- Set deadlines for other heirs to accept or reject an inheritance or legacy
- Request benefit of inventory (limiting liability for debts)
- Establish whether estate debts exceed the assets
Practical estate management from abroad
If you cannot travel, we take care of the administrative, financial and practical steps inside the Netherlands on your behalf:
- Selling real estate in the Netherlands, Germany or Belgium, and arranging repayment of the mortgage
- Opening or closing Dutch bank accounts and transferring funds
- Selling or managing investment portfolios
- Handling income tax and inheritance tax with the Dutch Tax Administration
- Managing life insurance payouts and full beneficiary representation
Whether the estate is straightforward, contested or stalled due to lack of cooperation, we act as your representative in the Netherlands, so that the estate is settled fairly, transparently and in accordance with Dutch law.
Related reading
Dealing with a Dutch estate from abroad?
Speak directly with Klaas. Get clarity on your rights and the next steps in a fixed-fee consultation, or describe your situation for a free intake.
