Inheritance with a Surprise: How to Protect Yourself from Relatives' Debts

      May 21, 2026 11:15 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Polina Zubova Inheritance is often associated not only with receiving assets but also with unexpected obligations. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" spoke with the chair of the regional branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, lawyer Irina Fast, about when debts pass to relatives and whether one can protect oneself. According to her, it is impossible to accept an inheritance partially. If an heir agrees to receive the property, they simultaneously accept the obligations of the deceased.

      "If you accept the inheritance, you are accepting the debts. You can only protect yourself in one way - by not accepting the inheritance," Fast explained.

      At the same time, the extent of liability is limited to the value of the received property. Debts cannot exceed the volume of the inheritance. In other words, it is not possible to recover from the heir more than the value of the property that has passed to them. The lawyer also noted that creditor claims may not appear immediately. Sometimes debts become known only after the inheritance has been accepted.

      "Of course, they can appear later, as people can present them later. Certain time periods may pass, but this issue is resolved individually," Fast added.

      If there is no property left after a person's death, only obligations remain, the heirs will not be liable for them. The communication with the lawyer took place as part of a joint project of the media group NOIC and the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia "So You Know." Let us remind you that an online conference with Irina Fast is taking place on the NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" website. Until June 13, the lawyer will answer questions from Nizhny Novgorod residents about inheritance disputes, division of business and property, asset protection, potential risks for owners, and ways to maintain control over capital. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+