Source: https://www.german-probate-lawyer.com/en/detail/article/executor-of-the-estate-under-german-law-4254.html
Timestamp: 2019-09-15 22:23:22
Document Index: 434308569

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1922', '§ 2032', '§ 2203', '§ 2223', '§ 2222', '§ 2368']

Upon an individual’s death, the estate (Nachlass) passes to one or more individuals who are referred to as "heirs" (principle of universal succession). See § 1922 German Civil Code (BGB). If there is more than one heir, there is a community of co-heirs (Erbengemeinschaft). See § 2032(2) BGB.
The heir (Erbe) or the community of co-heirs administers the estate and there is generally no other person (e.g. personal representative) involved in the administration of an estate.
However, the testator may appoint an executor (Testamentsvollstrecker) or allow somebody else (e.g. the probate court) to appoint such executor who shall execute the testamentary dispositions of the deceased. See § 2203 BGB.
Unless otherwise provided by the testator, the executor`s tasks shall include:
The fulfillment of a legacy (see § 2223 BGB); or
Protection of the rights of a subsequent heir (see § 2222 BGB).
The executor administers the estate or part thereof for longer periods; this is generally referred to as durable execution of the estate (Dauertestamentsvollstreckung); or
Acceptance of the Office and Certificate of Executorship
Upon application, the probate court (Nachlassgericht) will issue a German certificate of executorship (Testamentsvollstreckerzeugnis) to the executor. See § 2368 BGB. This will enable the executor to proove his right to administer the estate and to dispose of estate assets, eg. towards a German land registry (Grundbuch).