Facing the succession of a relative is a complex passage, especially if it occurs at an emotionally difficult moment. In addition to the grief for the loss, one has to deal with succession formalities, gather a series of documents, respect precise deadlines and, often, interface with banks, notaries and public administrations.
To help you find your way in this path, here is a succession checklist divided into phases. It is designed to be clear, useful and easy to consult. It can help you not to forget any essential step and to move with greater peace of mind.
First phase: organising personal and civil status documents
The first thing to do is to gather the information and documents relating to the deceased and to the heirs. This will allow you to correctly start all the succession formalities.
Here is what is needed for the succession at this stage:
- Death certificate
- Family record certificate of the deceased and of the heirs
- Tax code of the deceased and of the heirs
- Identity document of the heirs
- Any deeds of marriage, separation or divorce
- Copy of the will, if any
It is important to verify immediately whether there is a will deposited with a notary or whether intestate succession applies.
Second phase: checking assets and bank relationships
After gathering the basic documents, one needs to identify all the assets that were part of the deceased’s estate. In particular:
- Cadastral searches of the properties in the deceased’s name
- Title deeds, notarial deeds, mortgages
- Updated bank account statements
- Insurance policies, savings books, securities
Many people do not know that there are specific documents for succession at the bank to be provided to unblock current accounts and access the sums deposited. Usually the bank requires:
- Inheritance declaration
- Death certificate
- Self-certification of the heirs
- Identity document of the person filing the request
Each institution may request different forms, so it is useful to contact the bank’s succession office before going to the branch.
Third phase: filing the inheritance declaration
The inheritance declaration is a fiscal document that must be filed with the Agenzia delle Entrate within 12 months from the date of death. It serves to officially declare the transfer of assets and to calculate any inheritance taxes.
It must be filed by:
- The heirs
- The legatees
- Any persons called to the inheritance
This declaration can also be filed through an intermediary (notary, accountant, lawyer), especially when the inheritance is complex or includes real estate. After filing, the Agenzia issues the receipt and the cadastral transfer is sent to the Catasto.
Fourth phase: managing the post-succession obligations
In addition to the inheritance declaration, there are other formalities to keep under control:
- Transfer of household utilities
- Cancellation of the car in the deceased’s name, if not inherited
- Change of ownership on real estate
- Communications to the condominium administrator
- Redemption or renegotiation of mortgages in progress
Many of these steps may seem secondary, but they fall within the duties linked to succession and the fiscal obligations that arise from it. It is useful to create a digital archive with all the documentation, so as to always have at hand what may also be needed at a later time. Each succession is different, but some phases are common to all.
This succession checklist can be a concrete reference to keep and share with other heirs or family members involved. Where there are particular complexities, articulated estates or assets abroad, it can be useful to discuss matters with a professional. Studio Legale Internazionale Boschetti has for years been accompanying Italian and international families in the careful and complete management of successions, with a confidential, competent approach always oriented to clarity.
