Questions about inheritance and will enquiries

Yes. Tell us whether someone has died or you are considering a will for the future, and what you need help with now. For an overview, see our article explaining the order of inheritance procedures (in Japanese).

You do not need to have everything ready. Tell us what types of documents you have and what remains unclear. You do not need to send identity documents or detailed asset records with your initial enquiry form. See what to prepare and how the process works.

We cannot promise that it will. Please promptly consult an attorney (bengoshi) for individual legal assessments or representation concerning matters such as renunciation of inheritance, a judicial scrivener (shiho-shoshi) or another authorized professional for preparation of court documents, and a tax accountant (zeirishi) for tax returns. An enquiry to our office does not extend a deadline or constitute an application for a public procedure. For renunciation of inheritance, also see the court’s guidance (in Japanese).

Your initial consultation is free for up to 30 minutes. We listen to your circumstances and concerns, then explain whether we can assist, the next steps, the procedures that may be needed, and an overview of the fees. Document preparation, research, applications, notifications and other work are charged separately. You are under no obligation to engage us after the consultation. Request a free initial 30-minute consultation.

That depends on the work requested. In addition to professional fees, please check the costs of obtaining family registers (koseki) and other documents, postage, additional work, and any other professionals you need to engage. The estimate will clarify what is included in the basic scope and which costs are separate. View the fees guide.

Please review the requested work, professional fees and expenses, excluded work and payment terms before deciding. We will also confirm how to proceed if additional work becomes necessary. See the engagement process.

Tell us which part you would like help with and what you have already completed. We will review the documents and relevant conditions before explaining the scope of assistance. View our services.

A gyoseishoshi (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist) cannot represent heirs in negotiations or dispute resolution. If there is a dispute over the division of assets or rights, please consider consulting an attorney first. For information on the scope of work, also see the professional guidance for gyoseishoshi (in Japanese).

Registration of inherited real estate is handled by a judicial scrivener, while individual inheritance tax advice and tax returns are handled by a tax accountant. Asking our office to prepare documents or carry out other agreed work does not mean these procedures are included. Please check the other professional’s scope of work, contract and fees. Read about our office’s scope of work.

Tell us where you live, where the relevant assets are located and how you would prefer to consult us. We will confirm whether we can assist after reviewing the procedure and its conditions. See information on location and consultation methods (in Japanese).

This depends on the procedure, identity verification and the original documents required. Tell us your preferred method so that we can confirm which methods are available and what you will need to do yourself. Not every procedure can be completed without an in-person visit. See consultation methods and the process.

Tell us the countries or regions involved, your family members’ nationalities and how you would like to communicate. Please tell us your preferred language. We will confirm whether we can assist in that language. We will also check the necessary documents and scope of assistance for your circumstances. A translated version of the website does not by itself mean that consultations or contracts can be handled in that language. Tell us about your circumstances and preferences.