About the Firm
Decades of Inheritance Law. Thousands of Families Guided.
Walter Karl Hans Rechtsanwälte was founded on a single principle: every person deserves clear, expert guidance through one of life's most complex legal processes.
Our History
Built on Trust, Refined Over 25 Years
Walter Karl Hans Rechtsanwälte was established in Munich in 1999 by Walter Karl and Ingrid Hans, two inheritance law specialists who saw a gap in the market: families navigating the German inheritance system were underserved, overwhelmed by bureaucracy, and often left without proper representation.
Over the following decades, the firm grew into one of Germany's most respected inheritance law practices — handling estates ranging from modest family homes to complex multi-jurisdictional portfolios spanning several European countries.
Today, the firm operates from its Munich headquarters and serves clients across Germany and internationally. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a direct, client-first approach: we explain every step clearly, act decisively, and never leave a client wondering what happens next.
Precision
German inheritance law is detailed and unforgiving. We leave nothing to chance — every filing, every deadline, every document is handled with exacting care.
Clarity
Legal complexity is our problem to solve, not yours. We translate every step into plain language so you always know exactly where things stand.
Decisiveness
Inheritance matters move on legal timelines. We act quickly, advise clearly, and never let procedural delays cost our clients what they're owed.
The Team
Attorneys You Can Rely On
Walter Karl
Founding Partner
Rechtsanwalt · Fachanwalt für Erbrecht
Walter founded the firm in 1999 after 12 years in Munich's leading probate courts. He specialises in contested estates, will disputes, and high-value asset liquidation. He is a certified specialist in inheritance law (Fachanwalt für Erbrecht) and a member of the Deutsche Vereinigung für Erbrecht und Vermögensnachfolge.
Anna Hans
Partner
Rechtsanwältin · Cross-Border Estates
Anna joined the firm in 2004 and leads the firm's cross-border practice. She advises clients on EU succession regulations, international asset transfers, and multi-jurisdiction estate planning. She is fluent in German, English, and French and regularly coordinates with legal partners across Europe.
Markus Bauer
Senior Associate
Rechtsanwalt · Estate Documentation
Markus specialises in estate assessment, documentation, and coordination with notaries and tax authorities. He joined the firm in 2015 and has managed the documentation process for over 300 estates, with particular expertise in business interest valuations and Erbschaftsteuer filings.
Credentials & Memberships
Recognised Expertise
Fachanwalt für Erbrecht
Certified specialist designation in inheritance law — Germany's highest professional recognition in the field.
Rechtsanwaltskammer München
Full members of the Munich Bar Association, licensed to practise throughout Germany.
Deutsche Vereinigung für Erbrecht
Members of the German Association for Inheritance Law and Succession Planning.
EU Succession Regulation
Accredited practitioners under EU Regulation 650/2012 for cross-border succession matters.
Work With Us
Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our team is ready to guide you through it. Schedule a confidential consultation to get started.