Private transfer of estates

Licence for private exchange

The licence to exchange a personal licence shall include:

• Who are the heirs of the deceased

• how long the heirs have to complete their succession. It is generally not more than one year after death.

• special conditions set by the district commissioner for granting the permit, if applicable.

• who is the agent for heirs to the exchange.

The District Commissioners may extend the period for the completion of a private settlement in accordance with a written and reasoned request from the heir.

What is included in a private estate licence

Once a licence to make private settlements has been issued, the heirs or the estate's agent may dispose of all assets from the estate, e.g. real estate, vehicles and bank accounts.

Until heirs receive a patent licence, funeral costs may only be paid out of the bank balance of the deceased. A person responsible for paying the costs of the funeral may obtain authorisation from the sheriff.

Handling of the estate's assets

The heirs may not dispose of the assets of the deceased until after the issue of a patent licence. A mandate given for bank accounts by the deceased shall be cancelled upon death.

Family members must preserve property such as real estate, automobiles and other items and may use them for daily needs in a manner comparable to the previous situation.