Skiftefullmakt: authority to act in a Norwegian estate

A skiftefullmakt is used when an heir authorises another person to act on their behalf during private administration of a Norwegian deceased estate. The Norwegian courts' guidance says that heirs may handle the administration together or appoint a representative, with this authority given on a separate document.

Identify the documents involved

An estate administration certificate and a power of attorney serve different functions. Also distinguish this authority from a formuesfullmakt granting access to information. Check who grants the authority, whom the representative acts for and which actions the wording covers.

For a sale or clearance of household contents, a practical precaution is to establish the contact person and supporting documents before agreeing the work. Someone who only forwards photographs should not automatically be treated as the documented representative of everyone concerned. Ask the district court or a legal adviser if representation or authority to dispose of assets is unclear.

Real estate has separate documentation requirements

The Norwegian Mapping Authority describes specific requirements for clarity, form and witnessing when a power of attorney is used to transfer real estate. These registration requirements should not automatically be applied to an ordinary sale of movable belongings. This article supplies neither a general template nor a universal validity period.

Next steps

Once representation is clarified, prepare an object inventory and read about OBA's estate inspections and purchasing services. General information for Norway, sources checked on 1 November 2026.