Inheritance renunciation must be filed within 3 months of learning of the inheritance (Civil Code Art. 915). If the deadline passes, a Supreme Court precedent (1984) allows late filing if the heir reasonably believed there were no estate assets. Disposing of estate property triggers deemed acceptance (Art. 921), preventing renunciation.
Inheritance Renunciation Procedures and Deadlines in Japan
Key Takeaways
- ✓Renunciation may be allowed after 3 months depending on circumstances
- ✓Using estate assets constitutes legal acceptance, barring renunciation
- ✓Limited acceptance inherits debts only up to the value of positive assets
- ✓The deadline starts from when debts were actually discovered
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