Helping IDPs with inheritance issues: the story of Ms Aneli

In April 2022, Anelia moved to Cherkasy from Luhansk region to escape the fighting. Two years later, in April 2024, her husband died in Cherkasy.

The woman began the process of inheritance, but faced difficulties despite having all the original personal and title documents.

The notary demanded to see a certificate of registered persons together with the deceased on the day of death, which was necessary to issue a certificate of inheritance. There was a problem with how to obtain this certificate, as the deceased's registered place of residence was located in the non-government controlled area.

The notary intended to issue a decision to refuse to perform the notarial act due to the inability to establish the circle of persons who had accepted the inheritance. In desperation, the woman turned to Caritas Mariupol for help, where a lawyer found out that the local government of Sievierodonetsk had moved to the government-controlled territory and was still working.

The lawyer helped to carry out the necessary communication between the parties and obtain the necessary certificate.

After receiving the necessary information, the notary changed her decision to refuse to issue the certificate, and the heiress faced the challenge of paying for notarial services. Therefore, Caritas Mariupol provided the woman with financial assistance to cover these costs.

Thanks to the comprehensive support - legal and material assistance - Anelia received a certificate of inheritance by law and an extract from the State Register of Property Rights.

The provision of free legal aid to IDPs in Cherkasy region was made possible through the cooperation of Caritas Mariupol with the Danish Refugee Council and funding from the European Union.