Anyone who has a claim to a compulsory portion would like to know what assets the deceased left behind in order to be able to claim their compulsory portion. This is where the right to information of the beneficiary of the compulsory portion comes into play. This claim is regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB) and entitles the beneficiary of the compulsory portion to demand information about the deceased’s assets.
In order to guarantee the right to information, the notary can draw up an estate inventory. The estate inventory documents all of the decedent’s assets and is therefore an important basis for calculating the compulsory portion. By having a notarized probate record, the parties involved can protect themselves from disputes and potential mistakes.
In the following, we will take a closer look at the right of the beneficiary of the compulsory portion to information and the notarial estate inventory. We will go into the prerequisites, scope and limits of the right to information and explain the importance and advantages of a notarial estate inventory.
What information must be provided to the beneficiary of the compulsory portion?
Under German inheritance law, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion has a right to information from the heir. This means that the heir is obliged to disclose to the beneficiary of the compulsory portion all information about the estate that is relevant for the calculation of the compulsory portion.
This includes, among other things, information on the decedent’s assets at the time of death and gifts made by the decedent over the past 10 years. The beneficiary of the compulsory portion must also be provided with information on testamentary dispositions, legacies and conditions.
In order to enforce this right to information, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion can demand a notarial estate inventory. In this list, all objects of the estate as well as all relevant information are clearly listed.
- The following information should be included in the notarial estate inventory:
- Components of the estate and their value
- Gifts made by the deceased in the last 10 years and their value
- Liabilities of the decedent at the time of death
- Beneficiary testamentary dispositions as well as legacies and stipulations
The notarial estate inventory thus provides an important basis for the calculation of the compulsory portion. At the same time, it serves as evidence vis-à-vis the heir if the latter does not recognize the beneficiary’s claim to the compulsory portion or has doubts about it.
What is the notarial estate inventory?
The notarial estate inventory is an inventory of all assets left by the decedent at his death. It gives the heir and also the beneficiary of the compulsory portion an overview of the estate and is intended to avoid disputes and uncertainties. A notary public is consulted in order to draw up a notarial estate inventory.
The notary determines the entire estate and carries out an inventory. It checks whether there are any wills, inheritance contracts or other agreements that could influence the estate. Subsequently, the notary prepares the notarial estate inventory, which contains all relevant information on the estate.
Beneficiaries of the compulsory portion may also have an interest in the notarial estate inventory. You have a legal right to information about the estate and its value. The notary can draw up such an inventory on request and make it available to the beneficiary of the compulsory portion. In this way, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion can determine whether he or she is actually entitled to the compulsory portion to which he or she is entitled.
- Summary:
- The notarized estate inventory provides an overview of a deceased person’s estate.
- It is drawn up by a notary who determines the entire estate and carries out an inventory.
- Those entitled to a compulsory portion have a right to information about the estate and its value.
- Upon request, the notary can draw up a notarial estate inventory and make it available to the beneficiary of the compulsory portion of the estate.
Obligations of the heirs with regard to information and the estate inventory
As an heir, you are obliged to provide information about the estate. In particular, if a beneficiary of a compulsory portion requests information, the heir must provide this information. In this context, the heir is obliged to provide all information on the value and scope of the estate that is required for a secure assessment.

In addition to the duty to provide information, the heir is also obliged to draw up an estate inventory. This should be drawn up by a notary, as it is an official document. The estate inventory provides a comprehensive overview of the estate and should include all assets and debts of the decedent.

If heirs fail to fulfill their duty to provide information or if the inventory of the estate is incomplete, beneficiaries of the compulsory portion may initiate legal proceedings. In this case, the court can oblige the heirs to provide information or to rectify the estate inventory.
- Heirs have a duty to provide information to beneficiaries of the compulsory portion
- Notarial estate inventory provides overview of estate
- Violation of the duty to provide information or an incomplete estate inventory may result in legal proceedings
In summary, heirs have a great responsibility when it comes to information and the estate inventory. It is important that heirs comply with their duty to provide information and draw up an estate inventory in order to avoid possible legal proceedings.
Consequences in the absence of the right to information and the obligation to keep a register
As a beneficiary of a compulsory portion, you have a statutory right to information about the deceased’s estate. This duty to provide information relates not only to the current estate, but also to past disposals or gifts. If the heir refuses to provide information or provides incomplete information, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion can force the heir to provide information in court. If the heir violates the duty to provide information, this can lead to claims for damages.
A notarial estate inventory can help to avoid misunderstandings between the parties involved. The notary verifies the information and ensures that the duty to provide information is complied with. If the heir nevertheless provides false information or conceals information, this can also lead to claims for damages. In addition, the probate court can issue a threat of a penalty payment in order to enforce fulfillment of the obligation to compile an inventory.
It is also important to note that violating the duty to provide information and directory may result in criminal penalties. Violations can be punished, for example, as criminal offenses such as fraud or forgery of documents. It is therefore advisable to take the legal requirements seriously and to provide the beneficiaries of the compulsory portion with comprehensive information as well as a complete notarial index.
- Claims for damages can arise if the duty to provide information and the duty to list are breached
- Notarial estate inventory can avoid misunderstandings
- Criminal penalties possible for violations