Inheritance matters usually arise at the most difficult moments — following the loss of someone close. On top of the emotional burden, unresolved property questions can lead to lengthy and costly family conflicts. We provide complete legal security, ensuring that your rights and assets are protected under Serbian law — whether you are planning the distribution of your own estate, navigating a probate process, or protecting your share in a contested inheritance.
What we handle
- Probate proceedings: Full representation before courts and notaries in proceedings to administer the estate.
- Drafting and safekeeping of wills: Legally watertight wills that ensure your final wishes are carried out and minimise the risk of the document being successfully challenged in court.
- Life annuity agreements: Drafting these complex agreements, and initiating proceedings to rescind or annul them where they were concluded through fraud or under unlawful circumstances.
- Lifetime transfer of assets: Assistance with agreements that prevent future disputes among your heirs.
- Forced heirship claims: Representing statutory heirs (typically children or a spouse) who have been unfairly excluded by will or agreement, to recover their legally guaranteed forced share.
- Inheritance disputes: Conducting litigation to annul a will, establish the composition of the estate or exclude individuals from the succession (unworthiness to inherit).
How we work
- Initial consultation and information gathering: We review the family tree, title documents (land registry extracts, bank accounts) and any existing wills or agreements, and advise you on all available options.
- Document preparation and initiating proceedings: We gather the necessary documents from the land registry, civil registry offices and banks, and submit the application to open probate proceedings — or prepare a claim if a dispute is already in prospect.
- Representation before the notary and court: Active representation at probate hearings and in court proceedings. We can keep your personal involvement to a minimum, protecting you from unnecessary stress and confrontation with other heirs, while keeping you informed at every step.
Important: Under Serbian law, an heir inherits not only assets but also the deceased's debts (up to the value of the inherited estate). Furthermore, an inheritance declaration — whether accepting or renouncing the estate — is irrevocable. Once made before a court or notary, it cannot be withdrawn. Never make such a declaration or sign an agreement with other heirs without first taking detailed legal advice.
Common questions
Looking for an inheritance lawyer in Novi Sad?
Igor Pavićević represents heirs in probate proceedings, inheritance disputes and will drafting in Novi Sad.