Family and inheritance matters, handled with care
Few legal questions are as personal as those about family and inheritance. They often arrive at a difficult time, involve relatives in different countries and depend on documents held far away. The helpline offers a calm, discreet place to explain your situation and understand what comes next.
You do not need to know the legal terms. Tell us who has passed away or which family matter you are dealing with, which assets or documents are involved, where the family members live and what you hope to achieve. We will explain how such matters usually proceed and direct you to a lawyer who handles them.
Inheritance and estates in Iran
When someone dies leaving assets in Iran, the heirs generally need to be formally confirmed before the estate can be administered. Property, bank accounts, vehicles and shares in companies may each involve their own steps and records. Questions we often hear include:
- How are the heirs and their shares confirmed?
- How can property in the estate be transferred or sold?
- What happens if some heirs live outside Iran?
- Which documents are needed, and how should they be prepared?
Every estate is different, so the most useful thing you can do is describe the assets and the family in your first email. Copies of any death certificate, identity documents and ownership papers are helpful.
Heirs and family members living abroad
Many people who contact us about an inheritance live outside Iran. Distance makes it harder to gather documents, attend offices or meet deadlines. In many matters an heir abroad can authorise someone to act for them in Iran through a power of attorney, usually prepared and certified in a particular way. We will explain what that involves for your situation.
Other family matters
Questions about marriage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship and the recognition of family documents also reach the helpline. These matters are sensitive and fact-specific. Write to us in confidence and we will direct you to a lawyer experienced in family law.
Discretion first
Family and inheritance enquiries are handled with particular discretion. What you share is used only to understand your matter and to direct you to appropriate help. If a property is involved, our note on property legal help may also be useful.
How to start an inheritance enquiry
Begin with the essentials: the name of the person who died and the date, your relationship to them, the other family members who may be heirs and where each of them lives, and a list of the assets you know about. Mention any will or earlier steps already taken. If documents are in Persian, there is no need to translate them first; copies are enough for us to understand where things stand.
Common questions
A relative has died and left property in Iran. What happens first?
Usually the heirs need to be formally confirmed before the estate can be dealt with. The exact steps depend on the assets and on where the heirs live. Tell us about the estate and the family and we will explain how the process usually works.
I live abroad. Can I take part in an inheritance in Iran?
In many cases, yes. Heirs abroad commonly authorise a lawyer or a trusted person to act for them through a power of attorney. We can explain the usual route for the steps your matter involves.
Will my family matter be kept private?
Yes. Family and inheritance enquiries are handled with particular discretion and used only to direct you to appropriate help.