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German–Australian law

German Lawyer in Australia – We offer comprehensive legal advice on inheritance law.

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(02) 5566 0403

Language

English
Deutsch
German Australin Law

15+

Years Of Experience

About Asquith Legal

Our principal is admitted as a solicitor in Australia  (NSW) and as well as a lawyer (Rechtsanwalt)  in Germany and can provide you with comprehensive and reliable advice on cross-border inheritance matters.

The highest quality of service is guaranteed by our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of both legal systems: German and Australian law.

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Respectful, Private Service
Markus Christmann

Markus Christmann

Markus Christmann, Asquith Legal’s principal lawyer is one of very few German speaking lawyers that has obtained two German state degrees in law and is admitted to practice in Germany.

About the Principal

Markus has worked for international law firms Norton Rose and Kau Attorneys (formerly Graham & James) in Germany and for an Australian boutique M&A law firm in Sydney and most recently, before starting Asquith Legal for Hunt & Hunt lawyers in Sydney as Special Counsel in the wills & estates team assisting high net worth Australian families with their estate planning, estate administration, trust and probate needs.

Markus is the only German speaking lawyer in Australia with a Master of Laws in Wills & Estates. Markus also holds a Master of Laws in International & Comparative Law. Markus has extensive experience in the areas of wills & estates. Due to his unique background, Markus can also handle estate mattes that involve corporate businesses, shares and real property.
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His Qualifications

Masters of Laws (International & Comparative Law)
Master of Laws (Wills & Estates)
Graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
Solicitor (NSW/Australia)
Admitted onto the Register of Practitioners kept at the High Court of Australia
Master of Laws (International & Comparative Law)
Admitted as a lawyer in Germany
Rechtsanwalt (Germany)
Click Here To Listen To An SBS Interview With Markus

“Ich mach’ mein Testament” (German)

International Probate and Estate Administration

If you have loved a loved one who was a German citizen with assets in Australia or if you have inherited assets in Germany, our international probate and estate administration lawyers can help you obtain probate and to manage the estate.

For an inheritance in Australia, Asquith Legal can: 

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Assist with obtaining Probate (if there is a will).

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Assist with obtaining Letters of Administration.
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Provide expert opinions in German Law (required if there is no will). Only lawyers admitted in Germany can provide such an opinion.
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Locate beneficiaries in Australia.
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Assist with administering the estate in Australia, call in assets, pay debts, instruct accountant to finalise tax affairs.
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Advise you on your entitlement under Germany intestacy law.
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Advise on obtaining an Erbschein in Germany.
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Assist on obtaining certificates in Germany (e.g. certificates of pre-deceased family members).

German Expat Estate Planning

If you are a German Expat and have either beneficiaries in Germany or assets in Germany, Asquith Legal can help you create a cross-border estate plan, draft your will, and set up an estate/life plan.

We can assist you with your estate planning, taking into consideration the EU Succession Regulation 650/2012, to ensure that the estate is passed on to the person you intend it to be passed on to.

Asquith Legal can assist with: 

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German / Australian wills (valid in both countries).

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Advice on whether one or two wills are required.
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Appointment of guardians for children.
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German Inheritance Tax.

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German and Australian Power of Attorney.
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German and Australian Enduring Power of Attorney.

International (Cross Border) Probate Disputes

If you have been left out of a will or have received less than what you believe you are entitled to, Asquith Legal can assist you with your Family Provision Claim and can help to assess the situation and prepare and deliver a claim.

Asquith Legal can assist with: 

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Assessing your prospects of success of a Family Provision Claim in New South Wales (Australia), if you have been left out of an estate or have not received a fair share.

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Commencing proceedings in courts in New South Wales to help you get your fair share.

International Estate Planning

The owner of Asquith Legal, Markus Christmann, initially worked as a lawyer in Germany before emigrating to Australia. Markus has been advising on German/Australian inheritance law for more than 10 years, with professional expertise in German inheritance law and issues specific to German immigrants. Prior to founding Asquith Legal, Markus served as Special Counsel on the inheritance team at national law firm Hunt & Hunt. There he assisted Australia’s oldest families and international clients with estate planning and administration. Markus has also worked in commercial law for international law firms Graham James and Norton Rose.

Table of Contents

Our Process

We follow a streamlined process to ensure seamless estate administration, providing clarity and peace of mind for executors and beneficiaries alike.

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Clear Communication

Step 1

Initial Consultation &
Info Gathering

We’ll assess the estate details, discuss your concerns, and provide clear guidance on the steps required for efficient administration.

Turning complex issues into clear, manageable steps

Step 2

Asset and Liability
Assessment

We’ll identify, evaluate and manage the estate’s assets and liabilities, ensuring all obligations are met and beneficiaries are properly informed.

Step 3

Execution and Legal Compliance

We’ll handle the legal requirements, including document preparation, probate applications, and distribution of assets.

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