Accepting inheritance in Romania: 1-year deadline

Accepting inheritance in Romania

Under Romanian law, an heir has 1 year from the death of the deceased to accept or refuse the inheritance (art. 1.103 Civil Code). Doing nothing within that year counts as tacit refusal. Acceptance can be express (a written declaration) or tacit (any act only an heir would do, such as selling estate property or paying estate debts).

Heirs may accept "under benefit of inventory", limiting their liability to the value of the estate: recommended where unknown debts may exist. Inheritance is normally settled before a notary; only contested cases reach the local court. Heirs who missed the deadline for justified reasons may petition for reinstatement within 6 months of the obstacle ceasing.