Best Inheritance Law Lawyers in Tbilisi

1. About Inheritance Law in Tbilisi, Georgia

Inheritance law in Georgia is primarily governed by the Civil Code of Georgia. In Tbilisi, residents frequently deal with probate of estates, transfer of capital city real estate, and disputes among heirs. The process often involves wills, intestate succession, and updating ownership records with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).

Wills must meet formal requirements and are typically authenticated by a Georgian notary. If there is no valid will, the law of succession applies, prioritizing close relatives as heirs. Real estate and other assets are registered with NAPR to complete a legal transfer of ownership after inheritance issues are resolved.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Tbilisi, you will benefit from an advokat who can coordinate with notaries and the registration authorities. Here are concrete, real world scenarios where legal help is essential:

• Your parent died in Tbilisi leaving an apartment you believe you are entitled to, but you are not named in the will and need to establish your rightful share through intestate succession.
• You suspect a will is invalid or improperly executed and you need to challenge it in court or prepare a legal challenge with supporting evidence.
• You are the executor and must inventory assets, settle debts, and distribute inheritance per the Civil Code, while ensuring compliance with tax and reporting obligations.
• A property inherited in Tbilisi is owned by multiple heirs who disagree about partition or sale, and you require representation to seek a fair remedy.
• You own Georgia real estate while living abroad and want to transfer title to a relative, requiring coordination with local authorities and possible power of attorney arrangements.
• A foreign resident died in Georgia leaving assets in Tbilisi, creating cross border probate questions and requiring coordination with consular and tax authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

The central framework is the Civil Code of Georgia, which governs inheritance, including testamentary dispositions and intestate succession. It also outlines the rights of forced heirs and the formalities for valid testament documents.

In addition, the Law on Notaries governs the authentication and execution of wills and testamentary documents. Notarial actions are commonly required to validate a will and facilitate probate procedures.

The Law on Public Registry, implemented through the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR), handles registration of inherited rights and the transfer of real property to heirs in Tbilisi and across Georgia.

According to the Civil Code of Georgia, inheritance is distributed through testamentary dispositions and intestate succession with reserved portions for close relatives. For the official text, see Civil Code of Georgia on Matsne.gov.ge.

The National Agency of Public Registry provides online services for inheritance registration and property rights transfers in Georgia, including the city of Tbilisi. See napr.gov.ge.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is intestate succession in Georgia's inheritance law?

Intestate succession applies when there is no valid will. The Civil Code sets the order of heirs and shares, prioritizing close family members.

How do I start probate for an estate in Tbilisi?

Begin by gathering death certificates, property titles, and potential will documents, then consult a licensed advokat to prepare and file required papers with authorities.

When is a will valid under Georgian law?

A will must comply with formal requirements and be properly executed or notarized. Invalid forms may be challenged in court.

Where do I file inheritance documents in Tbilisi?

Inheritance documents are filed with the appropriate notary office and, for property transfers, with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) in Georgia.

Why do I need a Georgian advokat for inheritance matters?

A qualified lawyer understands local procedure, court timelines, and registry rules. They can coordinate with notaries and ensure compliance with the Civil Code.

Can a will be contested in court in Tbilisi?

Yes. Contesting a will requires evidence of invalidity, lack of proper execution, or misrepresentation of heirs, and is handled in civil courts.

Should I appoint an executor for an estate in Georgia?

Yes, an executor clarifies duties, coordinates asset inventory, and ensures lawful distribution in line with a valid will or intestate rules.

Do I need to register inherited property with the public registry?

Yes. In Georgia, you must update property ownership records with NAPR to transfer title into heirs' names.

Is there inheritance tax in Georgia?

Georgia does not levy an inheritance tax on most transfers, but there may be other tax obligations and reporting requirements to consider.

How much does it cost to hire an inheritance lawyer in Tbilisi?

Costs vary by case, but expect a retainer for initial consultation plus hourly or fixed fees for document preparation and court work.

How long does probate typically take in Tbilisi?

Uncontested probate can take weeks to months; contested matters or property with foreign elements may extend to several months or longer.

Do I need Georgian tax residency to inherit property in Georgia?

Tax residency can affect reporting and obligations, but inheritance rights often depend on statutory heirs and title transfers rather than residency alone.

5. Additional Resources

• National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) - official body for registering inheritance and property rights; governs real estate transfers and updating the registry. https://napr.gov.ge/
• Civil Code of Georgia - primary source for inheritance rules, including testamentary and intestate succession. https://matsne.gov.ge/
• Ministry of Justice of Georgia - Notaries and official guidance on notarial acts related to wills and probate. https://justice.gov.ge/

6. Next Steps

1. Define your inheritance objective and collect key documents within 7 days, including death certificate, will (if any), and property deeds.
2. Identify a Georgia-licensed advokat with inheritance experience in Tbilisi and arrange an initial consultation within 1-2 weeks.
3. Have your lawyer review all documents and determine whether probate, execution, or contest actions are required.
4. Prepare and file required documents with the appropriate notary and, if needed, the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) within 2-6 weeks of intake.
5. Coordinate with authorities on any debt settlement, asset inventory, and title transfers; obtain official registry updates as proof of ownership change.
6. Settle disputes through negotiation or court proceedings; maintain ongoing communication with heirs to avoid delays.
7. Finalize distribution of assets and obtain updated title certificates for inherited property in Tbilisi. Timeline depends on complexity and contested issues.