LPA行政書士法人
LPA Administrative Scrivener
Corporation
CONFIRMING THE HEIRS BEFORE DISTRIBUTING THE ESTATE
Before bank accounts, real estate or other inherited assets can be transferred, the persons legally entitled to inherit must be formally identified.
In Japan, this generally requires the collection and review of family registers and other official records covering the deceased’s family history. Where an heir resides overseas or the family situation involves France, additional civil-status documents, translations, notarization or legalization may be required.
LPA Administrative Scrivener Corporation assists with identifying the heirs, collecting the required records and preparing the documents needed to implement an agreed distribution of the estate.
HOW WE CAN ASSIST
Collection and review of Japanese family registers
Identification and confirmation of the legal heirs
Preparation of inheritance division agreements
Preparation of an heir relationship chart
Coordination of documents for heirs residing overseas
Coordination with banks, insurers, judicial scriveners and French notaries
IDENTIFICATION OF THE LEGAL HEIRS
The documents required to identify the heirs depend on the deceased’s nationality, family history and place of residence.
For a Japanese deceased person, it is generally necessary to collect family registers covering the relevant period from birth to death. These records are reviewed to confirm matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, children and prior deaths.
Where the deceased or an heir is foreign, we assist with identifying the corresponding civil-status documents and coordinating translations and other formalities.
HEIRS RESIDING OUTSIDE JAPAN
An heir does not necessarily need to travel to Japan to complete the inheritance procedure.
Depending on the requirements of the institution concerned, documents may be signed overseas and supported by notarization, an apostille, consular certification or a Japanese translation. We assist with confirming the required form of execution and coordinating the documentation with the overseas heir.
INHERITANCE DIVISION AGREEMENT
Where there is more than one heir, the heirs may agree on how the estate will be distributed and record that agreement in an inheritance division agreement.
We prepare the agreement and related documents on the basis of the distribution agreed by all heirs.
Where the heirs disagree or legal representation is required, we work with LPA Law Office.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION
Once the heirs and the agreed distribution have been confirmed, separate procedures may be required for each category of asset.
We can coordinate the documentation required by banks, insurers and other institutions. For real estate in Japan, we work with LPA Judicial Scrivener Office regarding inheritance registration.
Where French assets are involved, we can coordinate with a French notary or the relevant financial institution.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
①
INITIAL REVIEW
We review the family situation, available records and known estate assets.
➁
COLLECTION OF RECORDS
We obtain the relevant Japanese family registers and other official documents.
③
CONFIRMATION OF THE HEIRS
We review the records and prepare an heir relationship chart where appropriate.
④
PREPARATION OF DOCUMENTS
We prepare the inheritance division agreement, powers of attorney and related documents.
⑤
ASSET-SPECIFIC PROCEDURE
We coordinate the implementation of the agreed distribution with the relevant institutions and professionals.
