Locating Heirs and Beneficiaries in Israel: Inheritance Claims from Abroad
Locating heirs and beneficiaries in Israel often starts with one question: did your parents or grandparents once live in Israel? If so, a relative may have died there without clear heirs. Moreover, the estate may never have been opened, or property may be unmanaged. If you want to claim an inheritance in Israel from abroad, or to find missing heirs in Israel, we can help. No need to travel to Israel – we handle everything remotely.
Who Needs Help Locating Heirs & Beneficiaries in Israel
We assist second- and third-generation members of families who once lived in Israel. These families often suspect that an open estate or unmanaged assets exist. Typical clients include relatives of people who emigrated and descendants who lost contact with the Israeli side of the family. In addition, others learn of a possible estate from a letter, a bank, a government body or family stories. Israeli inheritance lawyers for US citizens and other expats often begin with just a name and an approximate year.
Locating Heirs & Beneficiaries: Investigation and Legal Services
Where needed, we work with legal genealogists to build the family tree and document relationships. This is the foundation of genealogical research for Israeli estates. In addition, we check with the Registrar of Inheritance whether a will was filed or proceedings were opened. Our review also covers records of property, bank accounts and funds that may belong to the estate. As a result, you learn who the likely heirs are and what the estate may include.
Obtaining a Probate Order or Inheritance Order Remotely
To deal with assets in Israel, heirs usually need a court or Registrar order. If there is a will, this is a probate order (צו קיום צוואה). If there is no will, it is an inheritance order (צו ירושה). We prepare and file the application and publish the required notices. Moreover, we handle objections and manage the correspondence. You provide documents such as death certificates and proof of family relationship, usually with an apostille. You then sign the required declarations before a notary or an Israeli consul in your country. Some documents must be signed abroad, but the rest is done for you. No need to travel to Israel – we handle everything remotely.
Typical Scenarios When Locating Heirs & Beneficiaries in Israel
For example, common situations include a relative who died in Israel without clear heirs in the country, while relatives live overseas. Another example is an old estate that was never opened, with property still registered in the deceased’s name. Finally, a will located decades later is also possible. These are illustrations of typical scenarios, not promises. Each case depends on its facts, so the outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Related Services
See also Property Restitution and Recovery in Israel ,Releasing Assets from the Administrator General (Custodian General) and Israeli Land Registry (Tabu) Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I claim an inheritance in Israel if I live abroad?
A: Yes, in many cases, subject to proof that you are an heir under a will or under Israeli law. We review your situation first.
Q: Do I have to travel to Israel?
A: In most cases, no. However, some documents may need to be signed before a notary or consul and apostilled in your country.
Q: How can I find out whether a relative left an estate in Israel?
A: We can check for wills and proceedings with the Registrar of Inheritance. We also review property and asset records, and then report back to you.
Q: How long does it take?
A: It depends on the complexity of the estate, whether there are objections and how quickly documents are returned. We cannot promise a fixed period.
Contact us today for an initial review. No need to travel to Israel – we handle everything remotely. Call: +972-3-7315665 or email us info@shoshan-law.com
