Did you miss the 6-month deadline for receiving an inheritance? — Restoration of the deadline and registration of inheritance 2026

Three solutions in case of missed deadlines, costs of the procedure and when a lawyer is necessary.

Basic rule: 6 months from the opening of the estate

You must receive the inheritance within 6 months from the date of its opening — that is, from the death of the testator. To do this, you must submit an application to a notary. The inheritance certificate itself, which is a document confirming the right to the inherited property, is issued after 6 months, at any time. The problem begins when you have neither submitted an application nor owned the property within 6 months.

The deadline has passed — three solutions

Way 1: Consent of the remaining heirs

If all heirs agree to receive the inheritance, the heir who has passed the test can also receive a share. This is the fastest and cheapest way — it is necessary to properly draw up the consent of the heirs with a notary. The difficulty is practical: relations in the family do not always lead to consent, and sometimes the heir is unavailable or abroad.

Path 2: Actual possession or control

Georgian inheritance law recognizes two forms of receiving an inheritance: filing an application with a notary and actual possession or management of the inheritance. If you actually began to own or manage the inheritance within 6 months — you lived in the apartment, paid utilities and taxes, and took care of the property — the inheritance is considered accepted, even if you did not file an application. The main thing is that these actions clearly indicate the will to receive the inheritance and this is confirmed by evidence: receipts, witnesses, certificates. In a disputed case, actual possession is determined through the court.

Way 3: Extension of the deadline by the court

If there is neither consent nor actual possession, the court remains: the reason for the delay must be considered honorable. In practice, serious illness, prolonged stay abroad, or objective lack of information about the death of the testator can be considered honorable - however, each case is assessed individually and there is no guarantee of the result. This is where the role of the lawyer is crucial: the legal qualification of the reason and the correct presentation of evidence.

Procedure and costs

• The notary's fee for issuing an inheritance certificate is calculated from the value of the estate; in the case of several heirs, in proportion to the shares.
• Individual notarial actions (e.g., certificate of filing an application, change in a certificate) are performed for a fixed, small fee.
• The legal route entails additional costs: state duty and attorney's fees, which depend on the complexity of the case. The exact cost is determined during the initial consultation.

Common mistakes

• Waiting in the hope that it will "resolve on its own" - over time, evidence disappears and other heirs claim the property.
• Attempting to dispose of property without a certificate of inheritance — it cannot be sold or donated until the right is formalized.
• Inaction of an heir residing abroad - an application can also be filed through a proxy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the deadline and other heirs object?
There are two options left: prove actual possession within 6 months or go to court with good cause.

Is living in an apartment considered receiving an inheritance?
Typically, yes — if it started within the 6-month period and is supported by evidence.

Can I register an inheritance from abroad?
Yes, through a representative with a duly certified power of attorney.

How much does a certificate of inheritance cost?
The fee depends on the value of the estate and is determined by the notary; in the case of a court proceeding, a fee and attorney's fees are added.

Do deadlines change when there is a will?
The 6-month acceptance rule also applies to inheritance by will; only the circle of heirs differs.

Conclusion

A missed deadline is not the end of the inheritance, but every month that passes makes it more difficult to claim. Assess your situation with a lawyer — an initial consultation will help you choose the right path out of the three.

The article is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For a specific case assessment, please consult a specialist.