Liability after suicide: what now?

Questioner

Our brother threw himself in front of a train last Tuesday and thus committed suicide. Is the family then liable for costs that NS/Arriva has to make for cleaning and the like?

Lawyer

An heir is a legal successor under universal title. This means that he not only has the right to the assets, but is also liable for all debts of the deceased. In principle, the railway company - or its insurer - can recover the damage of the suicide from the heirs. Whether this actually happens is unclear to me. In 2002, the NS still found this action 'inappropriate http://www.volkskrant.nl/dossier-archief/ook-zelfdoding-leent-zich-voor-sommen~a713564/ That was 13 years ago now. I advise you in any case to accept the possible inheritance of your brother as a benefit of inventory (only if there are assets). For this you have to go to the registry of the court in the district where you live. http://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie/Rechtbanken/Den-Haag/Bezoekinformatie/Centrale_Balie/Pages/Nalatenschappen.aspx The relatives are liable for the costs of the burial if there is no or inadequate insurance.

Questioner

Do we first have to go to a notary or contact the court registry directly?

Lawyer

Answer explained