Successions for civil unions in Italy
- Successions for civil unions in Italy
- Introduction to the concept of “element of internationality” in civil unions and how this affects successions
- Examples of elements of internationality: citizenship, residence, assets abroad
- Criteria for determining the applicable law in case of succession with elements of internationality
- Importance of the will for couples in a civil union, especially in the presence of elements of internationality
- Legal advice for the succession planning of international civil unions
Civil unions, introduced in Italy with Legge n. 76/2016, represent an important achievement for the protection of the rights of unmarried couples, extending to those in civil unions many of the guarantees provided for spouses. However, when speaking of international succession with civil union, the situation becomes complicated, especially in cases where assets, residence or citizenship involve more than one legal system.
In particular, the difference between marriage and civil union emerges in international contexts: while marriage is recognised in numerous legal systems, civil unions may not enjoy the same treatment. This creates complex situations, in which to address civil unions and international succession careful planning is necessary.
Boschetti Studio Legale, with its experience in succession law and international law, is the ideal partner to address and resolve these issues.
Introduction to the concept of “element of internationality” in civil unions and how this affects successions
In the contemporary legal panorama, internationality in civil unions takes on growing importance, in a world where relationships intertwine without geographical boundaries.
This element of internationality, which can arise when the partners belong to different legal systems or live in different countries, is not limited to influencing the daily dynamics of the union, but also profoundly affects the inheritance succession for civil union abroad in case of death of one of the partners.
The laws governing successions, indeed, vary considerably at global level, and the intertwining of different legislations creates a complex terrain, where decisions on the estate can become as articulated as they are crucial.
In such context, successions of those in civil unions raise relevant questions: which law applies when the legal traditions of two States confront each other? How are succession rights in civil unions safeguarded in a system that, while recognising the existence of affective and family bonds, does not always uniformly contemplate the rights of individuals beyond national borders?
How to govern international succession with de facto cohabitation or to ensure recognition of the civil union abroad? A reflection that leads us jurists to explore not only the legal challenges, but also the cultural and social implications of a law that must adapt to a reality that is increasingly fluid and interconnected.
As mentioned, the element of internationality presents itself whenever an inheritance situation involves more than one State. It can concern the different citizenship of the partners, habitual residence abroad or the presence of assets in other countries. The management of the succession becomes particularly complex in cases in which civil unions are not recognised in one of the jurisdictions involved.
For example, an Italian citizen in a civil union with an American citizen may find themselves having to face rules of private international law that do not provide any protection for the surviving partner. In such cases, the intervention of experts is essential, such as those of Boschetti Studio Legale, to ensure that succession rights in the civil union with a foreigner in Italy are adequately protected through specific legal tools, such as the will for international civil union or patrimonial agreements.
Examples of elements of internationality: citizenship, residence, assets abroad
The elements of internationality that influence inheritance successions for civil union abroad are multiple and deserve in-depth treatment:
- Citizenship:
Partners with different citizenships may be subject to profoundly divergent legal regimes. For example, in non-European countries, such as India or the United States, the civil union might have no legal recognition. This means that the surviving partner risks being excluded from the inheritance. Boschetti Studio Legale can assist in preparing personalised solutions to ensure that succession rights in civil unions are protected, regardless of the country involved.
- Residence:
Habitual residence often determines which law applies to the succession. However, the concept of “residence” varies according to legal systems: in some countries fiscal residence is considered, in others actual dwelling. A couple in a civil union living in Germany but with assets in Italy might find themselves having to manage a complex regulatory web. Boschetti Studio Legale offers targeted advice to identify the most favourable law, ensuring optimal management of the succession regime in the civil union.
- Assets abroad:
The presence of assets in several States, such as real estate, current accounts or investments, makes it necessary to coordinate local regulations often in conflict with each other. For example, a property in France may be subject to different rules than a bank account in Switzerland. To ensure a smooth succession without disputes, Boschetti Studio Legale plans every detail, adapting to the peculiarities of each legal system and protecting the succession position of the person in a civil union.
Criteria for determining the applicable law in case of succession with elements of internationality
When a succession crosses national borders, the determination of the applicable law becomes an operation as delicate as it is fundamental. In a world in which people move, live and leave assets in several jurisdictions, the criteria for establishing which legislation governs the succession are no longer a theoretical exercise, but a practical necessity that profoundly affects the patrimonial rights of individuals.
The matter becomes particularly complex when a succession presents elements of internationality, as in the case of inheritances involving citizens of different countries or assets located in different States. Which law must prevail? How to determine which legal system adequately recognises and protects succession rights in the civil union with a foreigner in Italy, taking into account the different legal traditions and the principles governing succession?
Importance of the will for couples in a civil union, especially in the presence of elements of internationality
The will is the most effective means of defining the succession position of the person in a civil union and resolving disputes arising from international situations. Drafting a will does not only mean naming an heir, but also establishing the applicable law, protecting the partner from any exclusions and ensuring that the inheritance is distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.
In a continuously changing legal context, the will for international civil union becomes an indispensable guarantee for the protection of the estate and family rights.
Typical scenarios / Case studies
The typical scenarios have been developed by combining the most significant family law cases that the firm routinely handles, with the aim of creating a structured and complex case study to help readers navigate the handling of their own personal cases. The case studies, on the other hand, illustrate individual cases that have actually been handled by the firm, with data and details anonymised to ensure client confidentiality.
Registrazione del contratto di convivenza e regolarizzazione del partner straniero
Coppia residente a Roma: cittadino italiano e compagna straniera priva di documenti di soggiorno. Ricorso cautelare ex art. 700 c.p.c. per tutela della convivenza, seguito da pratica per carta di soggiorno familiare UE.
Adozione di maggiorenne per riconoscere un rapporto familiare di fatto
Cittadino statunitense residente a Roma con legame affettivo stabile con lo zio acquisito. Procedimento per adozione di persona maggiorenne ex artt. 291 e ss. del Codice Civile per formalizzare il rapporto familiare.
Contratto di convivenza per coppia italo-brasiliana: tutela patrimonio e permesso di soggiorno
Imprenditore italiano e compagna brasiliana conviventi da tre anni a Milano. Tre vulnerabilità interconnesse: migratoria, patrimoniale e successoria, risolte con un intervento coordinato su tre fronti paralleli.
Adozione in Colombia: coppia italiana realizza il sogno dopo 3 anni di percorso
Una coppia sposata da otto anni intraprende l’adozione internazionale con la Colombia. Un percorso attraverso due ordinamenti, tre istituzioni italiane e l’autorità centrale colombiana.
Successione con eredi in 4 paesi diversi: coordinamento Italia-USA-UK-Svizzera
Un imprenditore italiano lascia un patrimonio distribuito tra Italia, Stati Uniti e Svizzera, con quattro eredi in altrettanti paesi. Quattro ordinamenti, quattro sistemi fiscali da coordinare in parallelo.
Adozione maggiorenne figlio del partner: riconoscimento legame affettivo ventennale
Un uomo di cinquantotto anni chiede di adottare il figlio trentenne della moglie, cresciuto insieme da vent’anni. Un legame reale che la legge non riconosceva, con implicazioni successorie per i figli biologici.
Impugnazione testamento per lesione di legittima: recuperati 800.000 euro per gli eredi
Due figli ricevono 20.000 euro ciascuno da un testamento che lascia quasi tutto alla seconda moglie del padre. Un’azione di riduzione per lesione della quota di legittima risolta in mediazione.
Pianificazione successoria azienda familiare: passaggio generazionale da 3 milioni
Un imprenditore di sessantadue anni deve trasferire un’azienda da 50 dipendenti al figlio che la gestisce, tutelando la figlia che ha scelto un altro percorso. Patto di famiglia e holding per garantire continuità.
Adozione internazionale da parte di single: quando la legge apre una strada che pochi conoscono
Una donna single di quarantacinque anni intraprende l’adozione internazionale. Un percorso giuridicamente possibile ma poco conosciuto, che richiede una strategia legale specifica fin dal decreto di idoneità.
Eredità digitale: gestione criptovalute e asset digitali del defunto
Un professionista muore lasciando criptovalute per oltre 600.000 euro su wallet e exchange, senza istruzioni di accesso. Un patrimonio digitale che rischiava di andare perduto per sempre.
Rettifica del nome per persona transgender: documenti coerenti con la propria identità
Una professionista trentaduenne, in trattamento ormonale da otto anni, con documenti ancora al nome maschile di nascita. La discrepanza anagrafica generava outing forzati quotidiani in ambito lavorativo, bancario e amministrativo.
Attribuzione di sesso e aggiornamento di oltre 20 documenti: dalla sentenza alla nuova identità anagrafica
Un dirigente di 45 anni con sentenza di rettificazione già ottenuta si trova davanti al vero ostacolo: coordinare carta d’identità, patente, laurea, contratti di lavoro, mutuo e polizze assicurative presso enti con procedure non uniformate.
Legal advice for the succession planning of international civil unions
In the context of international civil unions, succession planning takes on crucial importance, as it offers couples the opportunity to protect their assets and the rights of heirs in complex legal scenarios. The inheritance in the civil union, indeed, represents a central topic for couples who wish to ensure patrimonial continuity and legal protection for the surviving partner. When one or both partners come from different legal systems or possess assets in several jurisdictions, the absence of an adequate succession plan can generate legal conflicts, patrimonial uncertainty and, in the most serious cases, the ineffectiveness of the wishes expressed by the deceased.
Targeted legal advice for the succession planning of international civil unions makes it possible to address risks linked to the topic of civil unions and international succession with practical and strategic solutions. The legal advisor experienced in international law and succession law guides couples in choosing the best ways of distributing the estate, taking into account the national and international laws governing succession. This is particularly relevant in cases of inheritance without children, where the protection of the partner may be compromised in the absence of specific testamentary dispositions. A fundamental aspect is the assessment of the rules governing intestate succession in the various States, since, in the absence of a will, the deceased’s estate may be subject to rules different from the partners’ expectations.
The advice also extends to the management of assets in different jurisdictions, addressing the issues arising from the location of real estate and movable assets in States that may apply different rules. Tools such as international wills, which allow patrimonial dispositions recognised at global level to be drafted, can prove particularly useful for couples with assets abroad. In these contexts, the advice also focuses on inheritance aspects linked to the civil union and the related inheritance profiles, ensuring that every detail is taken care of to avoid disputes. In addition, legal advice helps to anticipate the application of international conventions that harmonise succession rules, such as Regolamento UE 650/2012, which simplifies the management of cross-border successions between Member States.
At Boschetti Studio Legale, legal advice is a fundamental investment to address with calm and awareness the challenges of international succession planning. The expert and personalised approach of the firm allows couples to navigate safely in the complex international legal panorama, ensuring solutions that fully respect the wishes expressed and protect patrimonial and family rights. Our experience in private international law and cross-border successions ensures that every aspect of the succession is treated with the utmost attention and competence, offering a complete and tailored service for the needs of our clients.
To anticipate the succession of those in civil unions, succession planning is not a simple technical exercise, but a complex process that requires competence and strategic vision. Boschetti Studio Legale offers complete assistance, which includes:
- Personalised wills: structured to protect the rights of the partner and prevent conflicts.
- Choice of applicable law: identification of the most favourable legislation based on residence, citizenship and location of assets.
- Protection in hostile jurisdictions: innovative legal solutions to ensure succession rights in countries that do not recognise civil unions.
- International administration of assets: coordination between different legal systems for smooth management of the inheritance.
Thanks to its experience in succession law and international law, Boschetti Studio Legale represents the point of reference for those who wish reliable and tailored advice for the succession planning of international couples.
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What are the succession rights in the civil union?
In Italy, partners in a civil union have the same succession rights as spouses, as provided by the Legge Cirinnà (n. 76/2016). This means that the surviving partner is considered a legitimate heir and is entitled to a share of the deceased's inheritance, regardless of the presence of a will. However, in international contexts, these rights may be limited or non-existent in countries that do not recognise the civil union.
What is due to a cohabiting partner in case of the partner's death?
If the civil union is not formally registered, the de facto cohabitant has no legitimate succession rights according to Italian law. A will is necessary to ensure to the cohabitant a share of the inheritance. In its absence, the estate is distributed to the legitimate heirs (children, parents or other relatives). The situation becomes further complicated if the assets are abroad or if the country involved does not recognise cohabitation as a legal status.
Is it possible to make a will for a civil union celebrated abroad?
Yes, it is possible and advisable to make a will to protect the succession rights of the partner in a civil union celebrated abroad, especially in countries that do not recognise this institution. In Italy, the testator can use the will to designate the partner as heir and explicitly indicate Italian law as applicable (professio iuris), pursuant to Regolamento UE 650/2012. This avoids legal conflicts and ensures greater patrimonial protection.
What happens if a partner in a civil union dies without leaving a will and has assets in several countries?
In the absence of a will, the applicable law is that of the deceased's habitual residence, according to Regolamento UE 650/2012. However, assets located in other countries may be subject to local rules, which may exclude the partner from succession rights if the civil union is not recognised. This complexity requires expert legal advice to coordinate the rules and protect the estate and the surviving partner.
