Support for Professionals
German banks, savings banks (Sparkassen), notaries, and other attorneys frequently face situations where a deceased client had assets in the United States, or where a US estate involves German assets. These cross-border cases require specialized knowledge of both legal systems.
Services for Financial Institutions
- Verification of US estate documents (Letters Testamentary, Affidavits)
- Assessment of US heirship certificates and their German equivalents
- Legal opinions on the application of US estate law
- Support with the release of German accounts for US-based estates
- Liaison with US correspondents and courts
Services for Notaries
- Expert opinions on US estate law for German notarial acts
- Clarification of applicable law in cross-border succession
- Review of US trusts and their treatment under German law
Services for Other Attorneys
- Co-counsel in German-American estate cases
- Legal opinions and research on US estate law
- Referral network for US local counsel when needed
Why Dr. Barandt?
With admissions in both Germany and New York, Dr. Barandt bridges the gap between the two legal systems without the delays and miscommunications that arise when two separate law firms in different countries work on the same case. We speak your language – literally and legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you act as co-counsel for another law firm?
Yes. Dr. Barandt regularly serves as co-counsel for German and US attorneys in cross-border estate matters, providing New York-admitted representation and expertise in both legal systems without the client needing to engage a separate US firm.
How do you support banks and notaries with US estate documents?
We verify and assess US estate documents such as Letters Testamentary and affidavits, provide legal opinions on the application of US estate law, and help institutions release German accounts for US-based estates in compliance with both jurisdictions.
Do you provide written legal opinions on US estate law?
Yes. Dr. Barandt prepares legal opinions and research on US estate and trust law for notarial acts, court proceedings, and institutional clients, clarifying the applicable law in cross-border succession.