Case Types

Succession
in Romania

Everything you need to know about succession: how the procedure works, heir rights, and how to check the case status online.

What is succession?

Succession (inheritance) is the legal process of transferring the estate of a deceased person to their heirs. Romanian succession law is governed by the Civil Code (art. 953-1163) and provides for two types of succession: legal succession (based on family relationships) and testamentary succession (based on a will).

The succession procedure can be handled either notarially (when all heirs agree) or judicially (when there are disputes about the estate, the heirs, or the will). Judicial succession cases are heard by the court with jurisdiction over the last domicile of the deceased.

Key concepts include: the reserved portion (minimum guaranteed share for certain heirs), the option term (1 year to accept or renounce), and the estate inventory (complete list of assets, rights, and debts of the deceased).

Stages of succession proceedings

1

Opening of Succession

Succession opens at the moment of death, at the last domicile of the deceased. Heirs must decide within 1 year whether to accept or renounce the inheritance. Acceptance can be express (notarial declaration) or tacit (actions demonstrating intent to be an heir).

2

Notarial Procedure (if no disputes)

When all heirs agree, a notary public handles the succession. The notary identifies heirs, inventories the estate, and issues a certificate of inheritance (certificat de moștenitor). This is the fastest route, typically completed in 1-3 months.

3

Judicial Procedure (if disputes exist)

When heirs disagree about the estate or their shares, the case goes to court. The court determines who the heirs are, the composition and value of the estate, and each heir's share. Expert evaluations may be ordered for real estate and other assets.

4

Partition (Împărțeală)

The estate is divided among heirs either by agreement or by court decision. Physical partition is preferred where possible. When assets cannot be divided physically (e.g., a single apartment), the court may order a sale and distribution of proceeds.

5

Registration and Transfer

After obtaining the certificate of inheritance or court decision, heirs must register the transfer of real estate at the Land Registry (Cartea Funciară) and update ownership records for bank accounts, vehicles, and other registered assets.

Important deadlines

1 year Option term — deadline to accept or renounce the inheritance (from date of death)
30 days Deadline to appeal the court decision in succession disputes
1-3 months Typical duration for notarial succession (no disputes)
6 months - 3 years Typical duration for judicial succession (with disputes)
½ legal share Reserved portion — minimum guaranteed share for protected heirs
No limit There is no statute of limitations for partition (partaj) between co-heirs

How to check your succession case online

Judicial succession cases registered in Romanian courts can be tracked using StatusDosar. Enter the case number and instantly see:

  • ✓ Current case stage and next hearing date
  • ✓ Parties involved (heirs, attorney, expert)
  • ✓ Court decisions and expert evaluations
  • ✓ Appeal deadlines and final decisions
Search for a case now →

Useful links

Succession lawyers → Related: Civil case → Glossary: Court decision →

Frequently asked questions

Succession is the legal process of transferring the estate (assets, rights, and debts) of a deceased person to their legal or testamentary heirs. It is governed by the Civil Code (Book IV, art. 953-1163).
A notarial succession (when all heirs agree) can be completed in 1-3 months. A judicial succession (with disputes about shares or estate composition) can take 6 months to 3 years, depending on complexity.
Heirs have 1 year from the date of death to accept or renounce the inheritance (art. 1103 Civil Code). After this period, unless the heir took actions demonstrating acceptance, they are considered to have renounced.
Yes. Judicial succession cases registered at Romanian courts are publicly accessible. Use StatusDosar to search by case number and track hearings, parties, expert evaluations, and court decisions.
The reserved portion is the minimum share guaranteed by law to protected heirs (descendants, surviving spouse, parents of the deceased). It equals half of the legal inheritance share and cannot be diminished even by a will.

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