Inheritance laws in Romania: deadlines and obligations

Under the Romanian Civil Code, heirs generally have a one-year deadline from the date of death to decide whether to accept or refuse an inheritance. This decision is critical because an inheritance includes not only assets and properties but also the deceased's debts and obligations.

Acceptance can be express, through a notarized act, or tacit, if the heir behaves as an owner by administering or using the assets. According to the law, an heir who accepts the inheritance is liable for its debts, though only up to the limit of the assets received, protecting their personal wealth. Refusing the inheritance within the legal timeframe completely removes the heir from these obligations.

Succession can be legal, based on the order established by law, or testamentary, based on a valid will. If heirs reach an agreement, the procedure can be completed at a notary office without court intervention. The notary verifies national registers and issues a certificate of heirship. Disputes between heirs are the primary reason a case would be moved to a judge.