How and where to submit an application for renouncement of inheritance?

Renouncement of inheritance is a legal action where the heir declares that they do not wish to accept the inheritance left by the deceased person. This action is final and irreversible, carried out in strict accordance with legal requirements. In Bulgaria, the procedure for renouncing inheritance is regulated by the Inheritance Act (IA).

The most common reasons for renouncing inheritance include:

• Accumulated debts or liabilities left by the deceased that the heir would have to assume.
• Lack of desire to manage inherited property or conflicts with other heirs.
• Personal or emotional reasons.

Who can renounce an inheritance?

Only individuals who are legal heirs of the deceased can renounce inheritance. This includes:

• Relational heirs by law (e.g., children, parents, siblings).
• Testamentary heirs specified in a will.

It is important to note that renouncement can only be made after the inheritance has been opened, i.e., after the death of the decedent.

Procedure for submitting a renouncement of inheritance:

1. Preparing the application — The renouncement application is made in writing and must include:

   • Personal details of the heir
   • Details of the deceased person (testator)
   • Explicit statement of renouncement of inheritance
   • Date and signature of the heir

2. Submitting the application — The application is submitted to the district court competent for the last place of residence of the deceased.

3. Attachments to the application — The application is typically accompanied by:

   • A copy of the death certificate of the deceased.
   • Inheritance certificate.
   • Personal ID document.

4. Entry in the special register — After the application is submitted and accepted by the court, the renouncement is recorded in a special register of renouncements of inheritance, which is maintained by the court. The renouncement must be made within six months from the opening of the inheritance. If the heir does not take any action within this period, it is considered that they have accepted the inheritance.

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