[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, these are generally civil disputes, and the public security organ usually does not directly handle property distribution. However, if there are suspected illegal crimes, the police can be called. The Inheritance Chapter of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China adjusts the property relations among heirs. Disputes over the scope of the estate, shares, and division should be resolved through consultation, people's mediation, or by filing a lawsuit for inheritance disputes with the people's court. If one party engages in acts such as misappropriating the estate, forging a will, fraud, intentionally damaging property, or committing violence and threats, they may be suspected of illegal crimes. In this case, the police can be called. The police report and the materials of the police response can also be used as evidence in subsequent civil litigation. Therefore, whether to call the police depends on the nature of the act, not simply a disagreement over money distribution.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

After the death of the decedent, the heirs often engage in fierce disputes over the distribution of real estate and deposits, and even resort to such actions as changing locks to occupy the house, seizing documents, and competing for deposit books. The first reaction of the parties involved is to call the police. Typical situations include: one party forcibly moving in and refusing others' access; withdrawing the decedent's deposits without authorization; forging or hiding the will; and physical conflicts arising from the disputes. When handling such disputes in the Beijing area, the authorities usually distinguish between civil disputes and illegal acts, and apply different procedures accordingly.

II. Key points of dispute

Firstly, which behaviors constitute civil disputes and which ones involve suspected illegal crimes. Secondly, the boundaries of public security organ's intervention and the actual effectiveness of reporting a crime. Thirdly, the evidentiary value of the police report in inheritance litigation. Fourthly, how to safeguard rights through litigation and preservation measures when one party misappropriates the inheritance. Fifthly, how to apply for personal safety protection measures in cases involving threats of violence.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

Here's the translation of the Chinese text into English: Henglue Lawyers offer four practical tips for handling inheritance disputes. First, distinguish the nature of the dispute to choose the appropriate legal path: simple division of assets or disputes over ownership shares fall under civil disputes, and reporting to the police typically only serves to stop conflicts and record the facts. Criminal proceedings may only be initiated in cases involving forged wills, illegal possession of others' property, fraud, or violent harm. Second, reporting to the police still holds value: police reports, interrogation transcripts, and administrative penalties decisions can document the conflict process and the other party's actions, serving as evidence in civil cases to prove property occupation, inheritance control, or fault liability. Third, the core remains civil litigation: claims for inheritance rights and asset division should be resolved through inheritance dispute litigation. When necessary, apply for property preservation to prevent funds from being withdrawn or properties from being transferred. Fourth, for cases involving personal safety: victims of violence or threats can report to the police and apply for personal safety protection orders to ensure safety before addressing property issues. Fifth, maintain evidence preservation awareness: regardless of whether police are involved, promptly save original wills, property documents, communication records, and scene footage to lay the foundation for future rights claims. Henglue Lawyers have assisted clients in multiple inheritance cases by distinguishing the nature of disputes and simultaneously pursuing police reports and litigation, ensuring both personal safety and lawful protection of property rights. This case is handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Yu DaweiThe attorney (practice license number: 11101201010292290, subject to the document issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

Action suggestions: First, clarify the nature of the dispute. If it involves property distribution disputes, proceed with negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Second, in the event of house occupations, seizures, forged wills, or personal threats, promptly report the case to the police and request a police report. Third, simultaneously prepare for litigation of inheritance disputes and property preservation to prevent the inheritance from being transferred or disposed of. Fourth, properly keep the original will and property certificates, and, if necessary, notarize them or apply to the court to retrieve them. Fifth, if domestic violence or threats are involved, apply for a personal safety protection order. For matters related to inheritance and family property division, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Inheritance of property and division of family assetsFor matters concerning the ownership and registration of real estate, you may refer to the following documents for reference:Property sales and construction projectsLegal basis: Articles 1123, 1127, 1123, and 1143 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (all of which came into effect on January 1, 2021), and the provisions on litigation and preservation in the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2023 and came into effect on January 1, 2024). The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

Firstly, calling the police cannot solve the problem of dividing money, but it can fix the facts of the conflict and stop illegal activities. Secondly, if someone is suspected of forging a will, embezzlement, or fraud, calling the police can help promote criminal accountability without affecting civil claims. Thirdly, inheritance disputes should be sued and applied for preservation as soon as possible to avoid the inheritance being withdrawn or transferred. Fourthly, personal safety is the priority. If you encounter threats or violence, you should call the police and apply for a personal safety protection order in time. For matters involving marriage and family property, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Divorce litigation and family disputesFor issues related to debt and enforcement, you can refer to the following materials for reference.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcementFor other difficult situations, you can refer to the following for solutions.Special services and other cases.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: My brother is occupying our parents' house and refuses to divide it. Is it useful to call the police in this situation?

The police are mainly used to stop conflicts and record facts, and the police generally do not deal with disputes over property shares. To resolve the division issue, a lawsuit for inheritance disputes should be filed with the People's Court, and if necessary, an application for property preservation should be made. The police report can be used as evidence in the lawsuit that the other party is occupying the house and obstructing the division.

Q2: If I suspect that the will is forged, can I report it to the police?

Yes. Forging a will may involve illegal or even criminal activities. You can report the case to the public security organ and apply for an appraisal of the will. At the same time, in inheritance litigation, you can challenge the authenticity of the will and apply for a handwriting or formation time appraisal. The court will determine the validity of the will based on the appraisal opinion.

Q3: What should I do if the other party takes the deceased's savings without authorization?

You can first secure evidence, such as bank statements, transfer records, and the other party's statements. If the property was disposed of without the consent of other heirs, you can claim its return or compensation in the form of a discounted price in the inheritance litigation, and apply for property preservation. If there is suspicion of embezzlement or fraud, you can also report the case to the public security organ at the same time.

Q4: Are police reports useful in inheritance lawsuits?

It's useful. The police report, the interrogation transcript, and the administrative punishment materials can prove the process of the conflict, the other party's behavior, and the time points, which belong to the evidence in civil litigation. It is recommended to actively request and keep the relevant materials after calling the police, and submit them to the court together with the will, property certificates, etc.

Q5: What are the consequences of fighting over an inheritance?

It depends on the circumstances. If personal injury occurs, the person involved may face public security penalties or even criminal charges; if property damage occurs, they will also need to bear compensation responsibilities. In the event of a conflict, it is necessary to promptly report the incident to the police, seek medical treatment, and preserve evidence of the injuries. At the same time, the parties involved should resolve the division of assets through civil litigation to avoid resolving property disputes by violent means.

The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the interpretation of the law in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Legal services for inheritance·Attorney Yu Wei·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and publicly available adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If a dispute arises, please consult a practicing lawyer in a timely manner.