We are dealing with an intestate’s estate where funds are being held by Sparda Bank in Germany. We have obtained Letters of Administration in this country but have had no luck in moving forward to obtain the German bank funds. The beneficiary under the intestacy who lived in Germany has just died too and her next of kin is trying to help but is finding Sparda particularly unhelpful. We think that Sparda Bank cannot insist on a Certificate of Inheritance under German Law as the intestate lived and died in the UK. Has anyone experience of this situation?
I had a similar problem with an Austrian bank so had to use lawyers there before the court provided authority for the bank to release the funds. I am currently dealing with another case with a French bank to which I have had to provide an apostilled copy of a sealed and certified copy of the grant but which is taking an age to say if it will release the funds to us. Best of luck with your case!
Patrick MORONEY
Dear Susan,
We have had a couple of cases where German Banks have been involved and in each case have had to obtain a local Grant (Certificate of Inheritance) in Germany. You will need the help of a German lawyer. We use one based in Berlin who speaks excellent English and corresponds in English.
One problem is the cost with reference to the amount of monies in the Bank account, so this needs to be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Double / Probate Resealing Services