How Does an Inheritance Trust Work?

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Bullet points: Trust (a foreign inheritance trust) is a private legal structure used mainly in common law countries, allowing assets to be transferred to a trustee who manages them for designated beneficiaries according to the rules established by the settlor.. Polish civil law does not provide for the institution of a trust, which means that […]

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Can a Minor Inherit?

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The answer to the question of whether a minor child can inherit an estate in Poland is straightforward. Polish inheritance laws relating to minors do not specify a minimum age at which a person can become an heir. However, transferring an estate to a person under the age of 18 involves a number of specific […]

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How Long Can a Solicitor Hold Money After Probate?

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Reports from the disciplinary division of the bar association indicate that, in practice, questions and concerns may arise regarding financial settlements within the provision of legal services. Complaints submitted by clients often relate primarily to the timing of the transfer of funds connected with ongoing cases. The lack of uniform, detailed regulations specifying exact deadlines […]

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What You Need to Know About an Early Inheritance

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According to the latest demographic reports from Eurostat, life expectancy in developed countries is steadily increasing, often exceeding 80 years. Statistical data clearly shows a rapidly progressing trend of ageing societies in Europe. As a result, the age at which family finances are passed on has significantly shifted. It is not uncommon for heirs to […]

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Guide to Siblings’ Inheritance Laws

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Inheritance is one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of law. Every year, thousands of families face the challenge of dividing the estate of deceased loved ones. Although this process may seem straightforward from a legal perspective, it often becomes a source of conflict. This guide comprehensively explains siblings’ inheritance rights. We will […]

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Inheriting a House with Equity Release – What You Need to Know

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Receiving real estate as an inheritance is usually associated with a sense of financial security and the continuation of a family tradition. However, Polish heirs are increasingly facing unexpected situations — it turns out that the inherited house is burdened with a so-called reverse mortgage, or the deceased had entered into a life estate agreement. […]

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L. Zielonka & Partners at the Annual Conference on European Succession Law in Barcelona

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On 21-22 May 2026, a partner of L. Zielonka & Wspolnicy Kancelaria Prawna i Podatkowa sp.k. participated in the Annual Conference on European Succession Law, organised by the Academy of European Law in Barcelona and online. The conference brought together leading European experts in succession law, including academics, judges, notaries, lawyers and representatives of EU […]

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Is Future Inheritance Considered in a Divorce Settlement?

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When planning high-value estate succession in Poland, clients often raise the issue of how divorce may affect their financial situation and inheritance-related arrangements. The combination of the provisions of the Family and Guardianship Code with the Civil Code creates a legal framework that, as a rule, clearly separates marital community property from personal property, including […]

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What is an inheritance advance?

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Losing a loved one is already a difficult experience, which is often accompanied by the need to settle complex legal and financial matters. In many cases, probate proceedings may take from several months to even several years, especially when real estate, multiple heirs, or cross-border elements are involved. During this process, an important role is […]

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Popular inheritance mistakes and how to avoid them

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Inheriting assets after the death of a loved one can be a complex and emotionally demanding experience. When an international dimension is involved, the risk of making mistakes increases significantly. Some errors related to formalities occur regardless of whether the heir lives in Poland or abroad. Others are closely linked to the cross-border aspect that […]

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