Inheritance tax and inheritance rejection: important tips

Questioner

Hello. My father is passing away soon. Very sad, but it also raises some questions for me. I know he has more debts than assets. And his benefits have been seized to pay off one of these debts. Now, it seems logical that we (my farmer and I) should reject his inheritance. I'm pregnant, so I think I've read that I should also reject it for my child. But... my father has a funeral insurance policy. If I reject his inheritance, will I still have access to it? What about the belongings in his house? There's nothing valuable in there that could be of any use in paying off his debts, but there are things that hold sentimental value to me (books, DVDs, and some clothes, for example). Can I take those with me? And are we allowed to arrange his cremation if we reject his inheritance? I'd like to hear from you.

Questioner

Dear questioner, In your case, I think it would be better to accept the inheritance under benefit of inventory. This must be requested by petition to the clerk of the court in the place of your father's death. It's essentially a simple written procedure, but it prevents potential problems. After all, someone who doesn't accept an inheritance isn't allowed to take any action regarding possession, whereas now you can do so with regard to personal belongings. This also simplifies communication with the insurer, and you don't have to reject the inheritance for your children (that also goes through the court). And perhaps, if the bank account holder is lenient, they won't require a notarial certificate, which would also save costs. Below is a link with more information, and I wish you strength! http://www.judex.nl/rechtsgebied/overlijden_%26_nalatenschap/aanvaarden-%26-verwerpen/artikelen/470/wat-gebeurt-er-als-ik-een-nalatenschap-%E2%80%98beneficiair-aanvaard%27_.htm http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/overlijden-en-erven/vraag-en-antwoord/kan-ik-als-erfgenaam-een-erfenis-aanvaarden-of-weigeren.html