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I know of an elderly gentleman (78) who can hardly walk. Recently, he received a letter from Germany stating that he inherited debt from a relative who was a citizen of Germany and died. This elderly gentleman has been an American citizen for 55 years and hasn't seen this German relative for many years.
The letter stated that this debt could be disavowed if he goes to the German Consulate in Chicago and signs the form in the presence of a German notary. The problem is that this elderly man is not well enough to make a trip to Chicago which is over 300 miles. He called the consulate there but they offered no other options for him. Should a foreign country be allowed to make an elderly, disabled person accountable for debt of a citizen of another country only because he is not well enough to travel and sign these forms?
If you fail to timely disclaim the inheritance in Germany decedent's creditors may sue you and hold you personally liable for decedents debts. German money judgments are enforceable in the United States (which requires prior recognition by a court in the U.S.).
I had the same issue with a dead uncle from Nigeria, who I hadn't even known existed. Fortunately I was able to pay $10000 into a Nigerian bank account, and the official who sent me the e-mail, was able to erase the $1000000 debt my late Nigerian uncle had accrued.
The gentleman needs a lawyer with experience in handling this issue. It may be possible for someone to be given power of attorney to go to Chicago and handle the paperwork.
I had the same issue with a dead uncle from Nigeria, who I hadn't even known existed. Fortunately I was able to pay $10000 into a Nigerian bank account, and the official who sent me the e-mail, was able to erase the $1000000 debt my late Nigerian uncle had accrued.
No, this appears to be the way German inheritance law works. Heirs inherit both assets and debts.
I could be wrong about this, what about Erbausschlag (rejection of inheritance) He has six months to reject that inheritance since he lives outside of Germany.
He needs a lawyer, I am pretty sure he can notarize the disclaimer declaration in front of a German notary.
All these said, I think it is fair because he can reject the inheritance, he doesn't have to "accept" it. So technically, nobody is forcing him to pay that debt.
I had the same issue with a dead uncle from Nigeria, who I hadn't even known existed. Fortunately I was able to pay $10000 into a Nigerian bank account, and the official who sent me the e-mail, was able to erase the $1000000 debt my late Nigerian uncle had accrued.
LOL. Good one.
For a couple seconds there I did fell for it.
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