An order on account of death, for example a will, is placed in special official custody at the local court during your lifetime. The custody data is transmitted electronically to the Central Register of Wills by the local court or notary and registered there.
With a custody order - a so-called last will and testament - parents or single parents can regulate in advance who should represent their minor children after their death.
For the transport of a body from the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg across a national border (transport abroad), the responsible authority issues a certificate of identity (corpse passport) upon request.
If you are the sole heir, you often need a certificate of inheritance as proof of your inheritance rights. If you are the sole heir according to a will or contract of inheritance, you can apply for a sole inheritance certificate.
For example, if you would like to apply for a certificate of inheritance or make a will, please contact the probate court at the responsible district court.
In the reading room of the Hamburg State Archives you can view documents from ten centuries that provide information about the history of Hamburg, your own family history or legal matters.
