What should you do if the inheritance contains debts?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Unconditional acceptance may mean that you have to pay a shortfall from your own assets. Therefore, first investigate the complete records and do not act as though everything already belongs to you.
General information about Dutch law · Review date not recorded · How we work
On this page
Identify known and potential debts
Check bank statements, mortgage, tax, loans, subscriptions, guarantees and pending proceedings. If necessary, request information from the organisations involved.
Choose between acceptance subject to the benefit of inventory and renunciation
If you want to remain an heir but protect your private assets, acceptance subject to the benefit of inventory may be appropriate. If you want to remain entirely outside the estate, consider renunciation and the consequences for subsequent heirs.
Do not make arbitrary payments
In the administration of the estate, creditors must be treated according to the rules. Do not pay a creditor or yourself before you have an overview of all claims.
Your checklist
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Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
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What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Bank statements
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
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View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Bank statements
- Tax assessments
- Mortgage and loans
- Outstanding bills
- Guarantees
- Declaration of choice
Frequently asked questions
Do I always inherit my parent's debts?
Only if you are an heir and accept the estate in a way that creates liability.
Does acceptance subject to the benefit of inventory always protect me?
It generally protects you, but you must carefully comply with the statutory settlement rules.