Best Inheritance Law Lawyers in Bursa

1. About Inheritance Law in Bursa, Turkey

Inheritance law in Bursa follows the national Turkish Civil Code and related regulations. It governs how estates are opened, how property is distributed among heirs, and how wills and executors affect the process. In Bursa, as elsewhere in Turkey, real estate, bank accounts, and other assets pass through formal procedures in courts and notaries. Understanding local court processes helps you plan effectively and avoid delays.

The core framework is set by the Turkish Civil Code, which defines legitimate heirs, intestate succession, and the role of wills. It also governs how debts, taxes, and administration of the estate are handled after a person dies. In practice, Bursa residents often interact with civil courts, land registry offices, and notaries to settle an estate. A local inheritance lawyer can guide you through mandatory shares, court filings, and document requirements.

Source: Adalet Bakanlığı - Miras Hukuku guidelines and procedures in Turkey - https://www.adalet.gov.tr

Source: Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı - Veraset ve Intikal Vergisi guidance for taxpayers - https://gib.gov.tr

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Scenario 1: Opening an estate after a Bursa resident dies without a will - The estate includes a home in Bursa and a savings account. A lawyer helps file the probate petition, identify heirs, and coordinate with the land registry to transfer title. Without counsel, delays and dispute among relatives are common.

• Scenario 2: Contesting or interpreting a vasiyetname (will) - A Bursa heir believes the will unlawfully omits legitimate heirs or misstates asset values. An attorney evaluates validity, challenges improper dispositions, and seeks corrections through the court or a notary process.

• Scenario 3: Handling forced heirship and the legitimate share - Turkish law protects a minimum share for spouses and children. An attorney explains how the forced portion applies to your case and helps structure gifts or trusts that comply with the law.

• Scenario 4: Inheritance with multiple assets and debt obligations - A Bursa estate includes real property, a car, and loans. A lawyer coordinates debt settlement, creditor notices, and orderly distribution to heirs while complying with tax and court deadlines.

• Scenario 5: International heirs and cross-border assets - If some heirs reside outside Turkey or own assets abroad, a lawyer helps coordinate with foreign jurisdictions, ensures proper exchange of information, and manages translation requirements for documents.

• Scenario 6: Inheritance tax and filing requirements - Heirs must consider veraset ve intikal vergisi obligations. An attorney explains timelines, exemptions, and how to file accurately to avoid penalties.

3. Local Laws Overview

Medit Kanunu (Turkish Civil Code) No. 4721 governs inheritance, including intestate succession, wills, and forced heirship. It sets out how estates are opened, who inherits, and how assets are distributed among heirs. The law came into force on 1 January 2002 after its 2001 enactment. In Bursa, courts interpret and apply these provisions for probate, disputes, and enforcement of wills.

Vasiyetname rules within the Civil Code regulate how individuals can dispose of assets by will. These provisions determine the validity, form, and revocation of wills, including notarized and holographic wills. Disputes over will validity are commonly resolved in Bursa civil courts or with assistance from a notary.

Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi Kanunu (Inheritance and Inheritance Transfer Tax Law) describes the taxation of inherited assets and the transfer of ownership. The Tax Administration publishes rates, exemptions, and filing requirements. In Bursa, heirs file veraset and intikal related documents with the local tax office and relevant courts as part of the probate process.

Recent trends in Turkey emphasize digital government services for inheritance matters. You can access several steps via the e-government portal turkiye.gov.tr for notary appointments, document submission, and court scheduling. This modernization helps Bursa residents prepare filings more efficiently.

Source: Adalet Bakanlığı - Inheritance law guidance and court processes - https://www.adalet.gov.tr

Source: Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı - Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi guidelines and tax forms - https://gib.gov.tr

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is veraset ve intikal vergisi and who pays it?

The veraset ve intikal vergisi is the inheritance tax due on transferred assets. Typically, the heirs who receive the assets are responsible for paying the tax. The tax authority provides rates and exemptions for different relationships and estate values.

How do I start an inheritance case in Bursa

Contact a Bursa-based inheritance lawyer to file a petition with the local civil court. You will need death certificates, estate inventory, title deeds, and identification for all heirs.

When does the inheritance process start after a death in Bursa

Typically, the process begins within days of death when the heirs or executor file for probate with the Bursa court and/or a notary, depending on the estate structure.

Where do I file a will or probate documents in Bursa

Will filings and probate documents are presented to the appropriate civil court in Bursa or to a notary, depending on the form of the will and the assets involved.

Why should I hire a local Bursa inheritance lawyer

A local lawyer understands Bursa court practices, land registry procedures, and local timelines, reducing delays and ensuring documents meet local form requirements.

Can I contest a will in Bursa if I disagree with its provisions

Yes. A Bursa court will assess the validity and fairness of the will, particularly if required shares for forced heirs are involved.

Should I use a notary for a vasiyetname in Bursa

Notaries can securely draft and witness certain wills. An inheritance lawyer can determine whether a notarial will or another form best suits your case.

Do I need to be a resident of Bursa to inherit real estate there

No specific Bursa residency is required, but proof of connection to the asset, such as ownership or tenancy, may be necessary for probate and transfer procedures.

Is there a difference between legal heirs and beneficiaries named in a will

Yes. Legal heirs have protected shares under forced heirship rules, regardless of a will, while beneficiaries named in a will may receive additional assets subject to these protections.

How long does probate typically take in Bursa

Probate can take several months to a year or longer, depending on asset complexity, creditor claims, and court caseload in Bursa.

What documents are required to open an inheritance case

Expected documents include death certificate, asset inventories, title deeds, identification papers, marriage and birth certificates of heirs, and any existing wills.

Can a foreigner inherit property in Bursa

Yes, foreigners can inherit in Turkey, but cross-border assets may require coordination with foreign jurisdictions and translation of documents.

5. Additional Resources

• Adalet Bakanlığı (Ministry of Justice) - Official guidance on inheritance law, court procedures, and notary services. https://www.adalet.gov.tr
• Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı (Tax Administration) - Information on veraset ve intikal vergisi, tax forms, and filing requirements. https://gib.gov.tr
• Resmi Gazete (Official Gazette) - Official publication of laws and regulations, including amendments to inheritance law. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr

6. Next Steps

1. Define your inheritance issue clearly and list all assets in Bursa. Timeline: 1-2 days.
2. Identify 3-5 Bursa-based inheritance lawyers or firms and collect contact details. Timeline: 3-7 days.
3. Check credentials, bar membership, and any Bursa case experience relevant to your matter. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
4. Schedule initial consultations to discuss goals, fees, and strategy. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.
5. Prepare a document packet including death certificate, asset list, wills, and debt statements. Timeline: 1-2 weeks before meeting.
6. Engage a lawyer by signing a retainer and fee agreement. Timeline: 1-3 weeks after the first consult.
7. Proceed with filings, notifications, and negotiations under your lawyer’s guidance. Timeline: ongoing; probate often 6-12 months or longer depending on complexity.