Inheritance and Family Matters
Estates, wills, forced shares, guardianship
Inheritance and Family Matters
Inheritance disputes mix family relationships with money, and for international families they also raise the question of which country's law governs the estate. Debts pass with assets, so timing matters: the choice to accept or renounce an inheritance has a deadline.
We advise on wills, forced-share (yuryubun) claims, renunciation and limited acceptance, division of the estate among heirs, and family-court matters such as adoption and adult guardianship.
What we handle
Inheritance disputes among heirs
Drafting and reviewing wills
Forced-share (yuryubun) claims
Renouncing or limiting acceptance of an inheritance
Family court mediation
Adoption
Guardianship for adults
What foreign nationals should know
Under Korean private international law the estate is generally governed by the law of the deceased's nationality. A Korean deceased means Korean inheritance rules apply, including to heirs abroad.
If the deceased left debts, heirs can renounce or accept with limitation, but only within three months of learning of the death. Missing that window can make you liable for the debts. If you only learn later that debts exceed assets, a special limited acceptance is possible within three months of learning that.
Heirs living abroad need their status documents (birth or marriage certificates) apostilled and translated. We prepare the Korean filings and can act by power of attorney.
Korean inheritance tax is assessed on the estate. We coordinate the legal and tax steps so no filing is missed.
Frequently asked questions
A surviving spouse is a statutory heir under Korean law with a share larger than each child's share, and nationality does not reduce it. We help you secure the estate and handle the tax filing.
Yes. You can act through a power of attorney and provide apostilled documents from your country of residence. Some steps, such as renunciation, have strict deadlines.
Korean law reserves a minimum portion of the estate for close relatives even when a will gives everything to someone else. The claim must be filed within one year of learning of the death and of the gift or will.
By statutory shares: the spouse and children share the estate, with the spouse receiving one and a half times a child's share. If the heirs cannot agree, the family court divides it.
This page provides general information about Korean law and is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consultations are paid and are held in English or with an interpreter.