What Happens to My German Partner’s Money If He Dies Without a Will?

1. Introduction
The death of a partner is a deeply emotional and challenging time. For a Thai girlfriend of a German man who dies without leaving a will, understanding what happens to his money and assets is crucial. German inheritance laws have strict guidelines for distributing an estate when no will exists. Thai-German Heritage Assistance offers tailored support to help you navigate this situation and explore your options.

 
2. Statutory Succession in Germany
2.1 When a person dies without a will in Germany, their estate is distributed according to statutory inheritance laws governed by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB).

2.2 These laws prioritize legal heirs, starting with the closest family members, such as spouses, children, and parents.

2.3 As a Thai girlfriend who was not married to your partner, you are not automatically considered an heir under these laws.

2.4 Thai-German Heritage Assistance helps evaluate your position and identifies any potential claims based on your relationship or contributions to shared assets.

 
3. Distribution of the Estate Without a Will
3.1 If your German partner was married, his wife and children (if any) are the primary beneficiaries.

3.2 If he was unmarried and had no children, the estate is passed to his parents or siblings.

3.3 This system excludes unmarried partners, regardless of the length or significance of the relationship.

3.4 Thai-German Heritage Assistance can help explore alternative legal avenues to secure your financial interests in the estate.

 
4. Proving Your Relationship and Contributions
4.1 In some cases, you may be able to claim a portion of the estate if you can prove financial dependency or contributions to shared assets.

4.2 Documentation such as shared bank accounts, evidence of cohabitation, or financial support provided by your partner can strengthen your case.

4.3 Thai-German Heritage Assistance works with you to gather and present this evidence effectively to the relevant authorities.

 
5. Joint Accounts and Shared Assets
5.1 Money in joint accounts may be accessible to you without needing to go through the inheritance process, depending on the account structure.

5.2 For shared property or investments, legal ownership must be established before claims can be made.

5.3 Thai-German Heritage Assistance helps determine your rights to these assets and facilitates access or ownership transfers.

 
6. Contesting Statutory Succession
6.1 If you feel excluded or unfairly treated under statutory succession, you may have the option to contest the distribution of the estate.

6.2 This process requires a legal basis, such as demonstrating financial dependency or the existence of verbal agreements regarding inheritance.

6.3 Thai-German Heritage Assistance works with legal experts to assess the feasibility of contesting the inheritance and guides you through the process.

 
7. Handling Debts and Liabilities
7.1 It’s important to note that inheriting money or assets also means inheriting the deceased’s debts.

7.2 As someone not automatically included in the inheritance, you are not responsible for these liabilities unless you explicitly accept them through legal agreements.

7.3 Thai-German Heritage Assistance ensures you understand your rights and helps you avoid unintended financial obligations.

 
8. Cross-Border Challenges
8.1 If you reside in Thailand while dealing with your German partner’s estate, cross-border legal and administrative complexities may arise.

8.2 Thai-German Heritage Assistance offers bilingual support, document translation, and representation in Germany to address these challenges.

8.3 We also assist in coordinating with German authorities and ensuring compliance with both German and Thai legal systems.

 
9. Seeking Professional Support
9.1 Navigating German inheritance laws without a will is complex, especially for unmarried foreign partners.

9.2 Thai-German Heritage Assistance provides tailored guidance, from identifying your rights to managing legal disputes or administrative tasks.

9.3 With our support, you can focus on grieving while we handle the complexities of the inheritance process.

 
10. Conclusion
When your German partner dies without a will, statutory inheritance laws can make it difficult for a Thai girlfriend to claim any part of the estate. However, there are options to explore, such as proving shared financial responsibilities or contesting the distribution. Thai-German Heritage Assistance is dedicated to helping you navigate these challenges, ensuring your interests are protected and your voice is heard during this difficult time.