Inheritance in 2025 — why property may be transferred to the state.

What to do with inheritance that no one wants to accept

Even during wartime, inheritance issues remain relevant. Usually, inheritance is received by one person, but sometimes it happens that no one wants to become an heir.

Experts from the 'Free Legal Aid' site explained that when inheritance remains without heirs, it may be transferred to the state.

The concept of 'vacant inheritance' and its ownership

In the Civil Code of Ukraine, there is a term 'vacant inheritance' — this is property that remains unclaimed by anyone after the owner's death. If there are no heirs by law or will, or all have refused inheritance, local authorities can apply to the court to declare the inheritance vacant.

'Inheritance declared vacant by the court passes into the ownership of the territorial community at the place of inheritance opening, and real estate — at its location', — explained Marina Haranzha.

Who can apply to the court

Creditors of the deceased, local authorities of the territory where the property is located, and neighbors in the case of agricultural land can apply to the court to declare the inheritance vacant.

'Persons who have the right to submit a request for declaring inheritance vacant have the right to obtain information from the Inheritance Register about the opened inheritance case and the issued certificate of inheritance right', — the lawyers indicate.

The deadline for submitting an application to the court is not earlier than one year after the owner's death. Until then, the property remains under protection to safeguard the interests of potential heirs, creditors, and other interested parties.

Inheritance issues are an important aspect after a person's death. In cases where no one wants to accept the inheritance, it may be transferred to the state according to the legislation. Creditors, local authorities, and other interested parties can approach the court to declare the inheritance vacant, but this process has its deadlines and rules that need to be followed.