Legal services · Czech Republic

Family, inheritance and estate planning law in Czech Republic

Family matters and inheritance involving Czech law or assets in Czech Republic often require specialised legal assistance, particularly when multiple countries or nationalities are involved.

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In brief

Czech family law and succession law apply to a wide range of situations involving foreigners: international divorce, child custody and support, prenuptial agreements, inheritance of Czech assets, probate (dědické řízení) and wills (závěť / poslední vůle). Cross-border cases involving assets or family members in multiple countries require coordination across legal systems. PEERS Czechia provides English-language legal support for all these matters.

How we can assist

International divorce (rozvod) proceedings in Czechia
Registered partnership and civil union matters
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements (předmanželská smlouva)
Marital property regime coordination
Child custody, parental responsibility and adoption
Child support (alimenty) calculation and enforcement
International child abduction cases (Hague Convention)
Inheritance and probate proceedings (dědické řízení)
Cross-border succession involving Czech assets
Wills and testaments (závěť, poslední vůle)
Estate planning for foreign residents in Czechia
Trusts and international asset structures where relevant

Typical situations we advise on

A foreign couple divorces and one or both parties have assets or property in Czechia

An expat needs to establish or enforce a custody arrangement for children in Czechia

A foreign national inherits Czech real estate or assets from a deceased relative

A foreigner living in Czechia wants to write a valid will covering Czech assets

An international family faces a child abduction or custody dispute across borders

A foreigner's Czech partner or spouse passes away, requiring probate assistance

How it works

Initial case review

We review the family or inheritance situation, identify which country's law applies and explain how Czech family or succession law may affect your case.

Strategy and advice

We explain your options in plain English, including procedural steps, likely timelines and the documents needed to proceed.

Representation and coordination

We represent you in Czech court and authority proceedings, coordinate with notaries and translators, and liaise with foreign counsel where cross-border coordination is needed.

Resolution and follow-up

We assist with the implementation of court decisions, asset transfers, property registration changes and other follow-on steps.

Documents you may need

Helpful to have ready

Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated if foreign)
Birth certificates of any children involved
Passports of all parties
Czech property and asset documentation if relevant
Existing court orders or agreements from other countries
Existing wills or inheritance documents

Frequently asked questions

Can I get divorced in Czech Republic as a foreigner?

In many cases, yes. Czech courts can have jurisdiction over divorces involving foreigners, depending on where the parties reside and the applicable international private law rules. We can assess whether Czech courts have jurisdiction over your situation and advise on the procedure.

How does Czech inheritance law work for foreigners?

Czech inheritance law (dědické řízení) is managed through a notary appointed by the court. If a person who died owned assets in Czechia, those assets will generally go through the Czech probate process. EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) often determines which country's law governs the overall succession. We can advise on how Czech law applies to your specific situation.

Can I write a will that is valid in Czech Republic?

Czech law recognises various forms of will (závěť), including handwritten wills signed and dated by the testator, and notarial wills. A valid will can be an important tool for planning what happens to Czech assets. We advise on what form of will is appropriate and how to coordinate with Czech and foreign succession rules.

What happens in Czech child custody cases involving a foreign parent?

Czech courts decide on parental responsibility and custody based on the best interests of the child. If one parent is foreign or the child has connections to multiple countries, international rules (Brussels IIb Regulation for EU cases, Hague Convention for others) may apply to determine jurisdiction and enforcement of custody orders.

What is an international child abduction case in Czech Republic?

If a child is wrongfully removed from or retained in a country in violation of a custody arrangement, the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction provides a mechanism for seeking the child's return. Czechia is a signatory. These cases are urgent and require immediate legal action. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are facing such a situation.

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