There is no single fee for handling an inheritance because no two inheritances are alike. The cost depends on the complexity, on the number of assets and heirs, on whether there is agreement and on how much of the work the firm takes on. Even so, it is possible to explain what it depends on and what fee models exist so you know where you stand.
What the price depends on
The complexity of the case
An inheritance with a will, one heir and a single bank account does not cost the same as one with no will, several properties, debts and heirs at odds with one another. The more pieces and the more conflict, the more work involved.
What the service includes
It is worth distinguishing between merely advising and taking care of everything: certificates, tax settlement, notary, registry and award of assets. A full service costs more, but it takes the entire problem off your hands.
The fee model
The usual arrangement is a fixed quote communicated before starting, sometimes with a component tied to the value of the inheritance. What matters is that there are no surprises: that you know the figure before signing anything.
A serious firm gives you a fixed quote before starting. If someone avoids giving you a figure or leaves it open "depending on how it turns out", ask why. Transparency on fees is the first sign of how they will work afterwards.
The option almost no one tells you about: €0 upfront
Many inheritances stall for a simple reason: taxes, notary and registry have to be paid before the assets can be accessed, and the family does not always have that liquidity. For selected cases, at Equus Capital we advance all the costs of the process and the client pays out of the inheritance itself, with no banks and no interest. It is especially useful when there is property to be sold: first the inheritance is resolved, then payment follows. If timing worries you, see also how long it takes to receive an inheritance, and if there are debts, how to accept under benefit of inventory.
At Equus Capital the first consultation is free and we always work with a fixed quote. Tell us about your case and we will tell you, with no obligation, what it would cost and how we would do it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to handle an inheritance with a lawyer?
It depends on the complexity, on the number of assets and heirs and on how much the client entrusts to the firm. There is no single fee, but a serious firm gives a fixed quote before starting so that there are no surprises.
Are fees paid before or after?
They are usually agreed before starting by means of a fixed quote. At Equus Capital, for selected cases, we advance the costs of the process (taxes, notary, registry) and the client pays out of the inheritance itself, with no banks and no interest.
Is the first consultation charged for?
At Equus Capital the first consultation is free and with no obligation: we analyse the case and give you an idea of the cost and the approach before you decide anything.
What if I do not have the money to pay the inheritance taxes?
It is a common situation. For selected clients we advance the costs of the process and they are paid out of the inheritance once it is resolved, especially when there is property to be sold.