It is possible to issue a power of attorney to a citizen of Belarus to accept an inheritance on behalf of the heir. Such a power of attorney can be drawn up and certified at the Consulate of Belarus abroad or at a notary. In the power of attorney, it is necessary to register the authority to accept the inheritance. If desired, the heir can register in the power of attorney the authority for other actions within the framework of the inheritance case. For example, a representative can be authorized to submit an application for a certificate of inheritance, to provide a notary with the documents that are needed to issue a certificate of inheritance, to receive a certificate of inheritance.

It may be necessary to affix an apostille or consular legalization of a power of attorney issued by a foreign notary. When the State in which the power of attorney is issued participates in the Hague Convention, an apostille is affixed to the power of attorney. These are 124 states, in particular, Israel, almost all EU countries, the USA, the CIS, Saudi Arabia. When the heir is in a state that does not participate in the Hague Convention, it is necessary to make consular legalization of the power of attorney.

A power of attorney, which is drawn up in a foreign language (not Russian or Belarusian), is translated in Belarus by an interpreter who cooperates with the notary chamber. If the deadline for inheritance is missed, the lawyer will help restore it. Such a term is restored in court.

A power of attorney for inheritance with the right to subdelegate allows the representative to transfer their powers to a third party. This means that the initial representative can grant authority to someone else, creating a power of attorney in the process of subdelegation. Such a document is referred to as a “power of attorney with the right to subdelegate.” Notaries must inform clients of this option and clarify whether they wish to grant such a right. It is crucial to note that only a legally capable adult can act as a representative under this power of attorney.

Duration of Power of Attorney for Entering into Inheritance

A power of attorney for inheritance can be issued for a period ranging from one day to three years, as specified by the principal. The duration must be clearly stated in the document. Additionally, the document must include the date and place of notarization, the notary’s certification, and the signatures of both the notary and the principal. Once the power of attorney expires, it becomes legally invalid, and the inheritance process cannot proceed under its terms. The document cannot be extended; instead, a new power of attorney must be issued.