How to Achieve Effective Estate Administration – From A to Z

When a close relative dies, grief is not the only thing you have to deal with. There are also many practical and legal matters to consider. Estate administration and inheritance involve, among other things, choosing the form of estate administration, contacting the Probate Court and clarifying the distribution of the inheritance. Few people realise how extensive the administration of a deceased estate can be. In this situation, it may be beneficial to seek advice from an experienced estate lawyer who can help provide an overview and ensure that the process is handled correctly.

The extent of the estate administration depends, among other things, on the size of the estate, the circumstances of the heirs and the specific inheritance arrangements. In some cases, it does not require very much work, but in most cases the tasks and questions will accumulate, and it can quickly seem completely overwhelming to deal with everything. Where should you even begin and end?

There are deadlines that must be met, and you need to keep track of any debts, meetings at the Probate Court, contact with the Danish Tax Agency and much more. The legal administration of a deceased estate requires an overview of both assets, debts and statutory deadlines. A great many practical and legal matters must be in place before the heirs can settle the estate.

On this page, we have prepared a list of important matters you should be aware of when an estate is to be administered. We provide a number of specific recommendations on how to handle the process from A to Z as easily as possible, and how you and your family can thereby get through the estate administration.

What Happens After a Death?

Following a death, a number of practical and legal matters must be handled. These include choosing a funeral director, planning the funeral and reporting the death to the authorities. Once the funeral has taken place, the heirs must decide how the deceased estate is to be administered. The Probate Court contacts one of the deceased’s closest relatives if the heirs do not contact the court themselves.

Free Meeting With an Estate Lawyer

Advokathuset Bredgade offers a free meeting to heirs before they have to decide how the deceased estate should be administered and before the meeting with the Probate Court. At this meeting with the estate lawyer, the heirs can receive help in deciding how the estate should be administered so that they achieve the best possible result. The lawyer also explains what will happen during the estate administration and how the heirs can best handle the estate. The meeting is without obligation, and the heirs may subsequently choose to obtain assistance from the lawyer with the administration of the estate.

Advokathuset Bredgade has estate lawyers with extensive experience in advising on inheritance and estate administration. We assist and advise heirs on all practical and legal matters relating to the administration of deceased estates.

The Meeting at the Probate Court – A Central Part of Estate Administration

When a death occurs in your family, one of you contacts a local funeral director. The funeral director reports the death to the authorities. Shortly afterwards, the Probate Court will arrange a telephone meeting, which is normally held approximately 4–6 weeks after the death has been reported. The role and duties of the Probate Court are described in more detail at Domstol.dk. The person invited to the meeting will normally be the person registered as the contact person by the funeral director, rather than all the heirs. At the meeting, the Probate Court will ask you to state, on behalf of the heirs, which form of estate administration they wish to use. The choice of administration procedure has a direct impact on the administration and distribution of the inheritance.

What Forms of Estate Administration Are Available?

  • Distribution of a Small Estate (Boudlæg): This is possible if the value of the deceased estate does not exceed DKK 55,000 (2026), after deduction of reasonable funeral expenses and debts secured by a mortgage or other security. In the case of a small-estate distribution, the estate is not formally administered. The estate is transferred to the person whom the Probate Court considers to be the deceased’s closest surviving relative or to the person who arranged or paid for the funeral. This may be an acquaintance, neighbour or heir. It may also be an institution or municipality. The distribution may take place even if the deceased had made a will. The recipient is generally not liable for the deceased’s debts but is responsible for the funeral expenses and may be required to clear the deceased’s home.
  • Undivided Estate: An option for the spouse if the marriage was subject to property sharing (previously known as community of property). It is a right to “postpone” the distribution of the estate among the heirs, thereby making it easier for the spouse to continue living as before, for example by remaining in the family home. There are a number of conditions you should be aware of, and a lawyer specialising in estate administration can assist you. There are both advantages and disadvantages to remaining in an undivided estate. Spousal Distribution: An alternative to an undivided estate if the spouses’ combined estate is of limited value. The surviving spouse is entitled to receive assets up to a total value of DKK 950,000 (2026), calculated in accordance with the applicable rules on the spouse’s share of the estate, inheritance, separate property and relevant insurance and pension payments. Where the conditions for spousal distribution are met, the spouse takes over both the deceased’s assets and liabilities. If the estate exceeds the applicable limit, the spouse may still be entitled to supplementary inheritance, with the remaining estate being distributed under the applicable rules. This form of estate administration is also subject to a number of conditions that you should be aware of, and an estate lawyer can help clarify them.
  • Private Administration of an Estate: A form of estate administration in which the heirs themselves are responsible for administering and distributing the estate, preparing statements for the Probate Court and the Danish Tax Agency, distributing the estate’s assets, paying any debts, etc. A condition for private administration is that all heirs agree to it. Other statutory conditions must also be satisfied, including requirements concerning the heirs’ ability to meet their financial obligations and the proper administration of the estate. Private administration may, for example, be a good solution if you, as an heir, wish to have the greatest possible influence over the administration and settlement of the estate. Some heirs handle the administration themselves, but many choose to seek advice from a lawyer specialising in estate administration. Some heirs also ask the lawyer to handle the entire estate administration, so that they only have to decide on important matters following the lawyer’s recommendations and receive regular updates. In this situation, the lawyer ensures that the legal process is carried out correctly, including compliance with statutory conditions and deadlines.
  • Simplified Private Administration: A form of estate administration similar to private administration, but involving a somewhat simpler procedure. It is a condition that all heirs agree and that the estate meets the statutory requirements for simplified private administration. In general, the estate must not be liable to estate income tax or inheritance tax, unless the surviving spouse is the sole heir and no inheritance tax is payable. The basic exemption from inheritance tax is DKK 392,300 (2026), or DKK 784,600 if the deceased was living in an undivided estate. The rules also require, among other things, that the relevant heirs belong to the group entitled to inherit without supplementary inheritance tax, that at least one heir is solvent, and that no heir is represented by a guardian. Simplified private administration is not available if the deceased excluded private administration in a will or if the Probate Court considers that the estate will not be administered properly. Unlike ordinary private administration, the opening statement of the estate serves as the final estate statement.
  • Estate Administered by an Estate Administrator: A form of estate administration in which the deceased estate is administered by an estate administrator, who is a lawyer appointed by the Probate Court or designated as estate administrator in the deceased’s will. The estate administrator handles all matters relating to the administration of the estate and may also make decisions if the heirs disagree. Administration by an estate administrator is normally used if the heirs are minors, if the relevant conditions for private administration are not met, if the deceased estate is insolvent or if the heirs do not agree on private administration.

As can be seen, there are many options when choosing how to administer a deceased estate, and it can be difficult to determine which option is best. This is precisely why the meeting at the Probate Court is important, as it can provide clarification and information about the estate. If you choose to seek advice from an estate lawyer, the lawyer can also guide you so that you and your loved ones can get through the process as easily as possible.

You are always welcome to contact our experienced lawyers specialising in estate administration if you have practical or legal questions. If you would like further information about the meeting at the Probate Court, you can read more here.

Once it has been decided which form of estate administration the heirs wish to use, the Probate Court issues a probate certificate in cases of private administration, allowing the heirs to begin administering the deceased estate, including handling the deceased’s assets, debts, expenses, income, preparation of accounts for the Probate Court and the Danish Tax Agency, calculation of any estate income tax, tax returns, calculation of inheritance tax and distribution of the inheritance. Below you will find guidance on estate administration. See also the Estate Administration Checklist.

Lawyer for Estate Administration and Inheritance – Providing Reassurance During a Difficult Time

Estate administration is complex, and the deceased estate’s many different assets and liabilities must be handled. The estate’s tax affairs should also be dealt with. This is precisely why we always recommend that heirs contact a lawyer with expertise in estate administration. The lawyers at Advokathuset Bredgade will review the estate’s assets and liabilities so that the advice is tailored to the heirs and the solution that best serves their needs and circumstances. The heirs receive an overview of the entire administration process, and if they choose to let Advokathuset Bredgade handle the administration of the estate, they receive ongoing guidance and updates by email on the status of the estate.

If you have any questions about estate administration, you are always welcome to contact us at Advokathuset Bredgade. We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Digital Profiles, Subscriptions and Safekeeping of Assets

Digital matters and practical arrangements are also part of the administration of a deceased estate.

The deceased often had one or more digital profiles on social media, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. These profiles should be closed out of consideration for the deceased and the heirs. Each social media platform has its own procedures for requesting that a deceased person’s social media profile be deactivated and deleted.

In addition, the deceased’s subscriptions with various providers should be terminated, and any recurring payments should be cancelled. Terminating subscriptions on behalf of the deceased is part of estate administration – for example Netflix, HBO, memberships of various associations, mobile phone subscriptions, fitness centre memberships, various membership fees, etc.

It should also be considered whether the deceased’s assets are being stored securely so that the estate does not lose value. For example, the deceased’s home should be locked and any alarm system activated. The car should be parked in a safe place, and the property should be maintained to prevent moisture damage or similar problems.

Who Inherits? Rules on Estate Administration and Inheritance

Who is entitled to inherit? This is a crucial question that must be answered when administering deceased estates. Very few people actually know the rules of inheritance, and this can easily lead to misunderstandings. Questions of inheritance law therefore often arise in connection with the administration and distribution of an estate’s assets.

The Danish Inheritance Act sets out how inheritance is distributed:

  • If the deceased has children and a spouse, the spouse inherits half and the children inherit the other half (to be shared between them).
  • If the deceased has no children, the spouse inherits everything.
  • If the deceased has no spouse, the children inherit everything.
  • If the deceased has made a will, the inheritance of the spouse and the children may be limited to one quarter of the statutory inheritance (compulsory inheritance).
  • If the deceased has neither children nor a spouse, the deceased may freely decide who is to inherit.
  • If the deceased’s children have died, the grandchildren inherit in their place.
  • If the deceased has neither a spouse nor children/grandchildren, the deceased’s parents inherit. If the deceased’s parents have died, the deceased’s siblings inherit.
  • If there are no heirs and the deceased has not made a will, the State inherits.

If you or your family are uncertain about the distribution of the inheritance or the interpretation of the deceased’s will, you can contact a lawyer specialising in estate administration. Contact our experienced estate lawyers at Advokathuset Bredgade.

You can read the entire Danish Inheritance Act at Retsinformation.dk.

Prior Allocation of Assets – Assets of Special Personal Value

The rules on the allocation of personal assets form part of the overall inheritance process.

If you have lost your spouse, your life will change – and often your personal finances will change as well. The death may mean that you have to distribute the estate with the children, which may have financial consequences. This is precisely why the Danish Inheritance Act provides a number of options for the spouse that you may make use of during the administration of the deceased estate.

The spouse is entitled to take certain personal assets that are exclusively intended for the spouse’s personal use. For example, a piece of jewellery with great sentimental value. These personal assets may be taken “in advance”, meaning that their value is not included in the distribution of the deceased estate.

Most people are unaware of this possibility, and it can be difficult to determine which assets may be taken in advance in practice. It is therefore recommended that you seek advice from an experienced lawyer specialising in estate administration.

Settle the Deceased’s Debts – and Maintain Good Relations With Creditors

Handling debts and creditors is a central part of the proper settlement of a deceased estate.

It is important that you are aware of the deceased’s debts and creditors. Debts must be paid before inheritance is distributed to the heirs and spouse. Determining the debts and contacting banks, mortgage institutions and creditors are part of estate administration. You should consider how and when the deceased’s debts should be paid. This also applies to the additional expenses that arise while the deceased estate is being administered. Proper handling of the debts is essential for the responsible and effective settlement of the estate.

As a safeguard for creditors and heirs, a notice of the death, known as a “proklama”, is published in the Danish Official Gazette (Statstidende). The notice is published as part of the estate administration procedure. It is a public announcement inviting the deceased’s creditors to submit their claims against the estate. Following publication of the notice, creditors generally have eight weeks to submit their claims. If a creditor fails to submit a claim within the eight-week deadline, the right to payment from the estate will generally lapse. However, certain claims are exempt from this rule, including claims secured by mortgages or other security, certain ownership claims and tax claims covered by special statutory provisions.

It is essential in estate administration that the heirs settle the deceased’s debts and maintain good contact with creditors if payment needs to be postponed, so that the debts do not increase through fees and similar charges.

Get Started With Estate Administration – Arrange a Free Meeting

We hope that this review of estate administration has given you greater insight into the matters you, as a spouse or other heir, should be aware of.

Advokathuset Bredgade offers a free meeting to relatives and heirs before they attend a meeting at the Probate Court concerning the administration of the deceased estate. At the meeting, you and your family can clarify your situation and receive an assessment of how you can handle the administration of the estate most effectively. You will also gain an overview of the inheritance matters and the further process.

The meeting is without obligation, and you are free to discuss your questions with a professionally competent lawyer who has extensive experience in estate administration and the emotional, practical and financial process it involves.

Whether you subsequently wish to use our assistance for all or part of the estate administration is entirely up to you. We handle the legal challenges professionally and assist you with all the practical tasks.

Please contact us to arrange a free meeting about estate administration. Our lawyers can provide advice that will help you and your family through the administration of the deceased estate. Contact Advokathuset Bredgade for a free meeting.

Contact lawyer Martine Lykke Tox, tel. +45 31 18 66 20, or lawyer Claus Christian Hansen, tel. +45 31 18 66 22, experienced estate lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Estate Administration?

Estate administration is the legal process in which a deceased person’s assets and debts are assessed and distributed to the heirs in accordance with the Danish Inheritance Act and any will. The administration takes place under the supervision of the Probate Court.

What Options Are Available for Administering a Deceased Estate?

A deceased estate may be administered in several ways, including private administration, administration by an estate administrator, an undivided estate or distribution of a small estate. The choice depends, among other things, on the size of the estate, its debts and the circumstances of the heirs.

When Must You Decide on the Form of Estate Administration?

The form of estate administration must be decided shortly after the death, typically in connection with the initial contact with the Probate Court. The choice affects responsibility, the duration of the process and costs.

When Do You Need Legal Assistance With a Deceased Estate?

Legal assistance is relevant if the estate is complex, there is disagreement between the heirs, or there is uncertainty about the form of estate administration, debts or tax. Many also choose to seek advice to ensure that the administration is carried out correctly and efficiently.

What Is the Difference Between Private Administration and an Undivided Estate?

With private administration, the deceased estate is settled and the inheritance is distributed among the heirs. An undivided estate allows a surviving spouse to postpone the distribution of the estate and continue to manage the joint estate.