Question 1

Can I deal with Czech probate while living abroad?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Czech probate proceedings do not always require heirs to attend hearings in person. A Czech attorney can represent you before the notary acting as court commissioner by power of attorney. The specific requirements depend on the facts of the matter and the complexity of the estate.

Question 2

Do I need to travel to the Czech Republic?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many inheritance matters can be handled remotely — through powers of attorney, email correspondence and video calls. However, some steps (such as signing certain documents before a Czech notary) may require either personal attendance or a formal power of attorney, which may itself require notarisation in your country of residence.

Question 3

What should I send in my first enquiry?

Accepted Answer

A short description of the situation is enough to start. You do not need to have all documents ready. Please do not send highly sensitive or confidential documents before we confirm that we can accept the matter. A brief outline of who died, what assets may be involved and what has happened so far is sufficient for an initial review.

Question 4

Can you communicate with the Czech notary for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If we are engaged to represent you, we can correspond with the notary on your behalf, review the notarial decisions and documents, and keep you informed in English throughout the probate proceedings.

Question 5

Can a Czech will be challenged?

Accepted Answer

Czech law allows a will to be challenged on specific grounds — including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, duress, fraud or non-compliance with formal requirements. Time limits apply and the strength of any challenge depends on the specific facts and available evidence. We advise on the merits before any proceedings are initiated.

Question 6

What happens if an heir was omitted or disinherited?

Accepted Answer

Czech law gives certain close relatives — primarily children and their descendants — a statutory right to a minimum share of the estate (povinný díl). A testator may disinherit a forced-share heir only on specific statutory grounds. If you believe you have been wrongly omitted or that the disinheritance is invalid, we can advise on your options.

Question 7

How are fees agreed?

Accepted Answer

We provide a written proposal covering the proposed scope and fee structure before any paid work begins. The appropriate model — hourly, fixed or staged — depends on the nature and complexity of the matter. No paid work begins until the scope and terms are agreed in writing.

Question 8

When can I safely send documents?

Accepted Answer

We will confirm the appropriate channel for sending documents once we have reviewed your initial enquiry and confirmed that we can accept the matter. We do not recommend sending highly sensitive documents via unencrypted email at the initial enquiry stage.

Question 9

Do you advise on inherited Czech real estate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We advise on the inheritance of Czech real estate — including the identification of property in the estate, the transfer of ownership through probate, title registration and related matters. We also advise on the sale or management of inherited Czech property.

Question 10

Can you coordinate with a lawyer or adviser in another country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In international matters we are accustomed to working alongside lawyers and tax advisers in other jurisdictions. We handle the Czech law aspects and coordinate as needed with your existing advisers in other countries.

Question 11

Does sending an enquiry create a lawyer-client relationship?

Accepted Answer

No. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after we confirm that we can accept the matter, a conflict check has been completed, and the scope and terms of engagement have been agreed in writing.

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