Petition for inheritance in Italy
The petition for inheritance, governed by article 533 del Codice Civile, is a fundamental legal tool that allows the heir to protect their succession rights. This action allows the heir to obtain recognition of their status and to recover the inherited assets held by others, ensuring a correct transmission of the deceased’s estate. It is a complex action, but essential to ensure justice in successions, especially those with elements of internationality, where regulations can vary and make the process even more intricate.
The petition for inheritance is distinguished by its universal nature, in the sense that it is not limited to the recovery of a single asset, but aims at the restoration of the entire estate. The heir, therefore, acts to have their position recognised as universal successor, namely as holder of the same legal position that belonged to the deceased. Unlike other actions, such as the action for revendication, which focus on the title of possession of the de cuius, the petition for inheritance focuses on the status of heir and on the recovery of the assets.
Another crucial aspect of this action is its imprescriptibility. This means that the heir can exercise it at any time, without the passage of time being able to preclude their faculty to recover the inherited assets. However, it is essential to remember that such imprescriptibility does not apply to adverse possession of individual assets by third parties.
The petition for inheritance can be exercised against anyone who possesses inherited assets, whether as heir or without any title. This means that the action is not directed against a determined subject, but against anyone who unlawfully holds the assets.
The petition for inheritance action, while being complex, is essential to ensure that the deceased’s estate is distributed in a fair and correct way. If you find yourself in a situation in which you must enforce your inheritance rights, Boschetti Studio Legale is the ideal partner to assist you with professionalism and competence, helping you to navigate the complexities of succession law.
- Inheritance
- Acceptance of the inheritance
- Actions to protect the inheritance
- Renunciation of the inheritance
- Inheritance collation
- Consensual inheritance division
- Judicial inheritance division
- Acceptance of inheritance with benefit of inventory
- Inheritance representation
- Inheritance shares with and without a will
- Inheritance and donation
- Inheritance to grandchildren
- Digital inheritance
- Petition for inheritance
- Division of the inheritance community
- Lying inheritance
- Inheritance for de facto couples
Application for the petition for inheritance
The petition for inheritance, governed by article 533 del Codice Civile, represents an important legal action for the protection of heirs, whether they are intestate or testamentary. It is a fundamental tool to obtain recognition of the status of heir and the recovery of inherited assets held by third parties. This action, crucial in succession law, allows the restoration of the entire estate of the deceased, returning it to those entitled by law or by testamentary dispositions.
Premised that, to start the action, the precise evidence to be provided varies on the basis of the type of succession, the heir in any event must demonstrate their status as successor and that the assets claimed were part of the estate at the moment of the opening of the succession. It is not necessary to demonstrate acceptance of the inheritance, since the very exercise of the action implies tacit acceptance. Always on evidence matters, in the case of intestate succession, it is necessary to demonstrate the degree of kinship with the deceased. For testamentary succession, instead, the will that legitimates the succession right must be exhibited.
It is essential to understand that, as just noted, promoting this action implies acceptance of the inheritance, with all the consequences that derive from it, including any obligations of the deceased.
From a legal point of view, the petition for inheritance is classified as a real action. It is not limited to claiming possession of the assets, but aims to recognise the title of the entire inheritance right, namely the universum ius defuncti, conferring on the heir the same legal position that belonged to the deceased. In addition, it is an action of condemnation, since its ultimate objective is to obtain restitution of the inherited assets.
It is important not to confuse it with the action for revendication, which focuses exclusively on the title of possession. The petition for inheritance, instead, embraces a broader scope, focusing on the recognition of the status of heir and on the right to the entire inheritance estate.
Standing to act belongs exclusively to the heir who has accepted the inheritance, whether expressly or tacitly. The co-heir too can promote the action to protect their own share, while the heir’s creditors have the possibility to act in subrogation to protect their rights. It is not however possible for the person called to the inheritance, who has not yet accepted, to exercise this action. On the other side, passive standing concerns anyone who holds inherited assets, whether as heir or without title, and also includes those who occupy the assets without a valid legal basis.
Facing a petition for inheritance requires in-depth knowledge of legal rules and an adequate strategy to best protect one’s rights. Boschetti Studio Legale, with its proven experience in family law and successions, also of an international nature, is the ideal law firm for anyone who must face matters linked to the inheritance estate. The lawyers of our family law and successions team are able to assist clients in the gathering of the necessary evidence, in the identification of assets that are part of the estate and in the assessment of the legal position, offering complete and personalised support.
If you find yourself facing a dispute relating to your inheritance, it is important to act promptly to protect your rights. Remember that your inheritance is a right that deserves to be defended with competence and dedication.
Typical scenarios / Case studies
The typical scenarios have been developed by combining the most significant family law situations that our firm regularly handles, creating structured and realistic examples designed to help readers better understand and navigate their own legal matters. The case studies, on the other hand, are based on real cases handled by our firm, with all personal data and identifying details anonymised to protect client confidentiality.
Registering a cohabitation agreement and regularising the status of a foreign partner
A couple living in Rome, consisting of an Italian citizen and his foreign partner without valid residence documents, sought legal protection for their relationship. An urgent application under Article 700 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure was filed to safeguard their cohabitation, followed by proceedings to obtain an EU family member residence card.
Adult adoption to legally recognise a de facto family relationship
A United States citizen living in Rome sought to formalise a long standing family relationship with his uncle by marriage through adult adoption. Proceedings were brought under Articles 291 et seq. of the Italian Civil Code to obtain legal recognition of their established family bond.
Cohabitation agreement for an Italian Brazilian couple: protecting assets and securing residence rights
An Italian entrepreneur and his Brazilian partner had been living together in Milan for three years. Their situation involved three interconnected legal vulnerabilities relating to immigration, asset protection and succession planning, all addressed through a coordinated legal strategy.
Adoption in Colombia: an Italian couple fulfils their dream after a three year journey
A couple married for eight years embarked on an international adoption in Colombia. The procedure involved two legal systems, three Italian institutions and the Colombian Central Authority, requiring careful coordination throughout every stage of the process.
Succession involving heirs in four different countries: coordinated management across Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland
An Italian entrepreneur left assets located in Italy, the United States and Switzerland, with four heirs residing in four different countries. The matter required the parallel coordination of four legal systems and four tax regimes.
Adult adoption of a partner’s child: legal recognition of a twenty year family bond
A fifty eight year old man seeks to adopt his wife’s thirty year old son, whom he has helped raise for twenty years. Although the relationship was genuine and long established, it had no formal legal recognition, with significant implications for the biological children’s inheritance rights.
Challenging a will for infringement of forced heirship rights: €800,000 recovered for the heirs
Two children inherited only €20,000 each under a will that left almost the entire estate to their late father’s second wife. An action to enforce their forced heirship rights was successfully resolved through mediation.
Succession planning for a family business: transferring a €3 million business to the next generation
A sixty two year old entrepreneur needed to transfer ownership of a company employing fifty people to the son who had been managing the business, while safeguarding the interests of his daughter, who had chosen a different career path. A family agreement and a holding structure ensured business continuity and long term stability.
International adoption by a single parent: when the law opens a path few people know exists
A forty five year old single woman embarked on an international adoption. Although legally possible, this route remains little known and requires a carefully planned legal strategy from the very first stage, beginning with the application for the certificate of suitability.
Digital inheritance: recovering cryptocurrencies and digital assets after death
A professional passed away leaving more than €600,000 in cryptocurrencies held across multiple wallets and exchanges, without providing any access instructions. A substantial digital estate was at risk of being lost forever.
Legal name change for a transgender person: aligning official documents with gender identity
A thirty two year old professional, who had been undergoing hormone therapy for eight years, still had official documents bearing the male name assigned at birth. This discrepancy repeatedly forced unwanted disclosure of her gender identity in professional, banking and administrative settings.
Legal gender recognition and the update of more than 20 official documents: from court judgment to a new legal identity
A forty five year old executive had already obtained a court order granting legal gender recognition but was then faced with the real challenge: coordinating the update of an identity card, driving licence, university degree, employment records, mortgage documentation and insurance policies across multiple authorities, each with different procedures.
Legal advice for the petition for inheritance in Italy
The petition for inheritance is a legal action governed by the Italian Codice Civile, that allows those with standing as heirs to claim their status and to recover the assets that are part of the inheritance. This tool represents a fundamental protection for succession rights and proves particularly relevant also in an international context.
Successions involving several States can be characterised by significant complexity due to the regulatory differences existing between the various legal systems. The Regolamento UE n. 650/2012 represents an essential regulatory framework for the management of cross-border successions in Europe, establishing that the law applicable to the succession is generally that of the State in which the deceased had habitual residence at the moment of death, save for a different choice of law made by the deceased themselves.
However, despite the fact that this regulation facilitates the harmonisation of regulations between Member States, the exercise of the petition for inheritance can entail further difficulties when assets or heirs are located in States with different legal regimes. In an international context, the recovery of inherited assets requires particular attention, since the recognition of titles and rights acquired in Italy might require a procedure of validation or enforcement in other States, especially in non-EU ones.
As stated, to bring the petition for inheritance, it is essential that the heir demonstrate their status through evidentiary documents such as the family record certificate, the will or other official acts that attest the legal link with the deceased. In international successions, such documents might have to be officially translated or accompanied by apostille to ensure their validity and acceptance in foreign jurisdictions.
The Plenary Court has addressed a case of considerable interest, establishing that Italian jurisdiction prevails when it concerns a petition for inheritance action involving assets located both in Italy and abroad. This decision takes into consideration the significant value of the inheritance estate and the interest of multiple subjects, Italian and foreign.
Despite the possible logistical difficulties for some of the parties involved, the predominant criterion to attribute jurisdiction is linked to the Italian citizenship of the deceased and to the opening of the succession on Italian territory. Ordinanza n. 1605 delle Sezioni Unite della Cassazione del 24 gennaio 2020, confirms that any obstacles raised by the appellants, such as the difficulty of participating in the proceeding in Italy, do not have sufficient relevance to derogate from Italian jurisdiction. The importance of objective and well-defined criteria to determine the competent judge in such cases is thus reaffirmed, excluding interpretations that could fragment the management of inheritance disputes.
This decision underlines the central role of Italian rules in ensuring uniform and fair treatment for transnational inheritance matters, while safeguarding the country’s jurisdictional sovereignty. The Court thus sets an important precedent for future cases, consolidating the principle by which jurisdiction cannot be easily called into question by subjective difficulties.
Boschetti Studio Legale, thanks to its consolidated experience in succession and international law, is the law firm for foreign citizens with inheritance rights in Italy, as well as for Italian residents who face inheritance matters abroad. Our team of specialists is committed to supporting clients in every phase of the process, taking into account the regulatory peculiarities, both Italian and foreign, ensuring a personalised approach and a legal strategy oriented to the achievement of the specific objectives of each client.
International successions, in particular, require careful management and tailored solutions for the needs of the case. Boschetti Studio Legale stands as a point of reference for anyone facing complex inheritance matters, providing not only legal competence but also strategic accompaniment capable of taking into account all practical and legal aspects. If you are a foreigner residing in Italy, or a person residing abroad, and you need a lawyer to protect your inheritance rights, contact us to receive a detailed consultation and to discover how we can support you in the exercise of your rights.
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Which lawyer should one turn to for inheritance?
Which lawyer to turn to for inheritance is a simple question: you must find a lawyer specialised in succession law. Verify that they have experience in cases of successions, inheritance divisions and wills. A professional with specific competences will know how to guide you in disputes, offering personalised legal solutions and protecting your rights.
How long does one have to claim an inheritance?
To claim an inheritance there is a term of 10 years from the moment of the opening of the succession (usually the date of death of the deceased) to accept an inheritance. However, acting promptly avoids legal complications, especially if there are assets to be preserved or debts to be clarified.
How to claim an inheritance?
To claim an inheritance file the declaration of acceptance (express or tacit) and, if necessary, act legally to protect yourself. Pay attention to any wills or previous divisions, and assess accepting the inheritance with beneficio d'inventario to limit risks linked to debts.
How long does one have to contest an inheritance succession?
To contest an inheritance succession there are 10 years from the opening of the succession, but it is best to act immediately. If the contestation concerns the validity of a will, it is necessary to provide solid evidence and act promptly with the support of a lawyer.
How to protect one's inheritance?
To protect one's inheritance it is advisable to keep key documents (notarial deeds, wills) and assess legal tools such as wills or trusts to protect the estate. Avoid verbal agreements and, in case of disputes, consult a lawyer to ensure transparent and legitimate management.
