Accepting an inheritance in Ukraine: timing checks

General rule

Articles 1268–1272 of the Civil Code govern the means and period of acceptance.

• the general period is six months
• permanent residence with the deceased has separate legal significance
• an heir who did not reside permanently will usually need a timely notarial application

When timing is more complex

• death was registered late during martial law
• the succession opened abroad
• a will was discovered later
• a notary issued a written refusal

Supreme Court approach

• lack of knowledge is not automatically a valid reason
• objective obstacles within the period are examined
• the claim must resolve the real rights dispute