Distribution of the estate and estate administration in Växjö
When someone dies, what they leave behind automatically becomes an estate, a dödsbo, and those left behind are jointly responsible for it. There is a great deal to keep track of and none of it is urgent on the day itself. We can handle all of it, or only the parts you would rather not do yourselves.
What is an estate?
All the assets and debts of the person who has died, until they have been distributed. The parties to the estate administer it jointly, which means you need to agree on what is done.
First an estate investigation is carried out: a record of what there is and an investigation of who the parties to the estate are. If it is unclear who they are, a genealogical investigation is made.
What is the difference between the estate inventory and the distribution of the estate?
The estate inventory lists what there is. The distribution divides it.
The inventory establishes what there was on the date of death and who has a right to it. It does not divide anything in itself, but it forms the basis for the division. Read more about the estate inventory and what it costs.
Once the Swedish Tax Agency has registered the inventory, the estate can be divided between the parties to the estate. That is the distribution.
How long do we have?
The inventory must be submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency within four months of the death: three months in which to hold the inventory meeting, and one further month in which to submit it. The distribution has no corresponding deadline.
Source: the Swedish Tax Agency. Last checked 2026-08-13.
What happens if the estate has no money?
Then an estate notification, a dödsboanmälan, can replace the estate inventory. It applies when the assets do not stretch beyond the funeral, and it is made by the social services department in the home municipality of the person who has died. It cannot be used if the person owned real property such as a house or land.
If the assets do not stretch to a dignified funeral, it is possible to apply for financial assistance from the social services office in the home municipality.
Do not pay any invoices until you know whether the estate can cover its debts, and cancel any direct debits. The funeral and the estate inventory are priority costs and take precedence over other creditors’ claims. If an invoice arrives, do not pay it. Contact the creditor instead and explain the situation. If you pay the wrong bill first, you can become personally liable for the estate’s debts.
What needs to be done in practical terms?
More than people expect, and it is rarely the legal side that takes the time.
- Subscriptions, insurance policies and memberships are cancelled
- The post is redirected
- Vehicles are sold
- The home is cleared, cleaned and either sold or handed back
- The belongings are divided or sold
- Accounts and securities are closed, invoices are paid, the tax return is drawn up
We help with the administration of estates and fit what we do around what you want to do yourselves. You always receive an account of every transaction we have made.
Do we have to use you for the funeral as well?
No. You are just as welcome to use us only for the legal work, whoever handled the funeral.
What does it cost?
It depends on how extensive the estate is and how much you want us to take on. Call us and we will go through your situation and give you a price before you decide. The first conversation costs nothing.