How are Inheritance Cases Managed?

How Long Do Inheritance Cases Take?

The management of inheritance cases primarily begins with the determination of the inheritance. The deceased person's assets, debts, and heirs are identified, formalizing the process. If there is no dispute among the heirs, the inheritance can be divided through a notary. However, if there is a dispute regarding the division of the inheritance, a lawsuit must be initiated. Inheritance cases are filed in the Court of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi) or the Court of First Instance (Asliye Hukuk Mahkemesi). In the initial stage, heirs and rights holders are identified, and the necessary documents are collected. Rights over land registry records, bank accounts, and other inherited assets are examined in detail. For detailed information on inheritance cases, you can visit the website https://www.solmazlaw.com/project/aile-ve-miras-hukuku/.

Who Has Rights in Inheritance Cases?

The duration of inheritance cases can vary depending on the content of the case and the workload of the courts. Simple inheritance cases can be concluded in an average of 6 months to 1 year, while more complex and contested cases may take 2-3 years. If an agreement cannot be reached among the heirs and objections arise during the legal process, the process may be further prolonged. Inheritance cases related to real estate, such as cancellation of title deeds and registration, may take longer as they require expert reports and additional investigations. If one of the heirs objects to the distribution of the inheritance and takes the case to a higher court, the process can extend for several more years. According to the Turkish Civil Code, heirs are divided into two groups: legal heirs and appointed heirs. Legal heirs are the close relatives of the deceased person, such as their descendants (children, grandchildren), ascendants (mother, father, grandparents), and spouse. If the deceased has no children, the inheritance passes to their parents and siblings. If there are no heirs, the inheritance devolves to the state. Appointed heirs are individuals designated by the deceased through a will or inheritance contract. Although these individuals may not have the same rights as legal heirs, they can receive a share of the inheritance in the determined proportions.