Inheritance: contact the notary · einfach.wien
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Family & children

Inheritance: contact the notary

Official name: Prepare first probate contact

When a person dies, a court takes care of their money, things and debts. This is called Verlassenschaft. Here you prepare the first contact with the Gerichtskommissär. That is a notary who works for the court.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 15 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Gerichtskommissär
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 2 of 15 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Understand the first meeting after a deathThis is about the first meeting after a death. It is called Todesfallaufnahme. There the Gerichtskommissär collects information about the person who died.Key step
    Why?
    An invitation does not automatically make you an heir. An heir receives money or things from the person who died.
    What you do
    Whether you accept or refuse the inheritance is a separate topic. For that, you get good legal advice.
    Where?
    Gerichtskommissär / Legal adviceDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Separate organisational first contact from inheritance decision

    This route organises first Austrian court-commissioner contact and initial estate recording. Invitation makes nobody automatically an heir. Acceptance, disclaimer, liability and disposal of assets need separate qualified clarification.

    SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren und getrennte Erbentscheidungen
    Verlassenschaftsverfahren und getrennte Erbentscheidungen

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Check if there is a death certificateThe Standesamt officially records the death. Then there is a Sterbeurkunde. That is a paper that confirms the death.Key step
    Why?
    The death certificate does not settle the inheritance. If it is still missing, a first contact is often still possible.
    What you do
    Ask the Standesamt or the funeral company about the status. Check if the Gerichtskommissär asks for the certificate.
    Where?
    Standesamt / GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service
    Related plansAfter a deathRequest a replacement death certificate
    In detail

    Review civil-registration status separately

    Clarify registration status with civil registry or funeral route. Death certificate is no final transfer-of-estate order; missing certificate does not automatically block every first court contact. Review actual requirement.

    SourceSterbeurkunde nachträglich ausstellen
    Sterbeurkunde nachträglich ausstellen

    Bundesministerium für Inneres · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    As of, according to the source: 16.02.2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Find the Gerichtskommissär in chargeThe Bezirksgericht is a court for a district. It chooses a Gerichtskommissär for the case.Key step
    Why?
    The Standesamt reports the death to the court at the last home. The Gerichtskommissär is chosen by home address and date of death. You cannot freely choose.
    What you do
    Usually the Gerichtskommissär invites you. No invitation? Then ask the court who is in charge.
    Where?
    Bezirksgericht / GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Confirm actual assigned court commissioner

    Civil registry informs district court at deceased person last residence. Court commissioner is assigned by residence and death day and invites to recording. Without invitation clarify actual assignment with court; do not assume free notary choice or death location determines responsibility.

    SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt
    Verlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt

    oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Contact the GerichtskommissärNow you get in touch with the Gerichtskommissär yourself.Key step
    Why?
    This way you learn what happens next. The app does not start a procedure or make statements for you.
    What you do
    Call or write to the Gerichtskommissär. Ask about the next step.
    Where?
    GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Carry out confirmed own first contact

    With actual confirmed assignment personally clarify next organisational step with service. Navigator starts no procedure or inheritance declaration.

    SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt
    Verlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt

    oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Check the date and the list of papersHere you check the meeting. When and where is it? Which papers should you bring?Key step
    Why?
    This way you come well prepared. You do not need a new date just in case.
    What you do
    Read the invitation carefully. If you have questions, contact the Gerichtskommissär.
    Where?
    GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Review actual appointment and individual list

    Review invitation, location, time and actual evidence request with court commissioner. Do not book a new appointment just in case. The sources name no general processing time.

    SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt
    Verlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt

    oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Sort the papers you haveHere you sort the papers you already have. For example certificates, funeral bills or bank papers.Key step
    Why?
    This helps the Gerichtskommissär understand the case. You do not have to get everything new.
    What you do
    Collect only what you have. Say honestly what is missing or what you do not know. Do not put account numbers or assets into the app.
    Where?
    GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Existing case records according to actual invitation
      Document explained

      Only where available; clarify actual form and missing material directly.

      Requirement
      Optional / if available
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceUnterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme
      Unterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme

      oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Honestly organise existing evidence and missing knowledge

    Only where available organise family or civil records, deceased person records, relevant authority evidence, funeral costs and known financial, insurance, debt and tangible-asset records. Discuss missing items with the court commissioner; do not obtain everything anew. Do not enter account numbers, asset values or family details here.

    SourceUnterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme
    Unterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme

    oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Go to the meeting with your papersNow you go to the meeting yourself. You bring the invitation and your papers.Key step
    Why?
    At the meeting, the Gerichtskommissär collects the information. But this does not mean you accept the inheritance.
    What you do
    Go to the agreed meeting. Bring the papers you agreed on.
    Where?
    GerichtskommissärDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Prepare confirmed own initial estate recording

    With actual invitation and existing agreed evidence personally attend confirmed appointment. Organised preparation means no inheritance acceptance, liability decision or complete assets.

    SourceUnterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme
    Unterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme

    oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check what has already happened
  • Get advice if another country is involved
  • Find out how to get in touch
  • Find out why you are invited
  • Ask what to do with wills and savings books
  • Answer open questions after the meeting
  • Send papers that are still needed
  • Get advice on the inheritance and debts
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along is your first contact about the Verlassenschaft?

What is meant? How far are you already? Do you have an invitation, or was the meeting already?

What is actual first probate contact stage?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

2 of 15 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren und getrennte Erbentscheidungen
Verlassenschaftsverfahren und getrennte Erbentscheidungen

oesterreich.gv.at · BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceVerlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt
Verlassenschaftsverfahren: erster Kontakt

oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceSterbeurkunde nachträglich ausstellen
Sterbeurkunde nachträglich ausstellen

Bundesministerium für Inneres · retrieved on 11/10/2026

As of, according to the source: 16.02.2026

Open original source
SourceUnterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme
Unterlagen für Todesfallaufnahme

oesterreich.gv.at · Notariatskammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

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