An heir is not forced to accept an inheritance. The law gives 3 months to consider and to declare a decision.

Voluntary renunciation

A declaration to the local justice court within 3 months of learning of the death. Withdrawal is possible only in narrow cases.

Automatic (mandatory) renunciation

If the deceased's debts manifestly exceed assets — the inheritance is treated as renounced even without declaration.

Inventory before deciding

If you're unsure of the estate's state, you can request an official inventory within 1 month. The 3-month clock pauses until inventory ends.

Effect of renunciation

The estate passes to the next heir in legal order. You bear no debts — but you keep nothing of the assets either.