Testamentary succession in Italy
Testamentary succession represents a crucial moment in the management of family patrimony, regulating the transition of assets from the deceased to the heirs. Whether you are an Italian citizen, an Italian abroad or a foreigner residing in Italy, the drafting and management of a will require attention to Italian laws and, often, to international ones.
In Italy, inheritance law is regulated by the articles of the Codice civile, which regulate all aspects relating to legitimate, testamentary and necessary succession.
Even when the deceased decides to draft the will containing their last wishes, this must respect the rules of succession, under penalty of the possibility of contestation by the excluded or penalised heirs.
Our law firm is composed of lawyers highly specialised in Italian and international inheritance law, and offers personalised services also in the area of testamentary succession for foreigners in Italy, to address every legal aspect with serenity and security.
If you are looking for a law firm for successions or a lawyer to draft or assert a will, we are at your side in every phase.
- Successione
- Dichiarazione di successione
- Successione ereditaria
- Successione legittima
- Successione testamentaria
- Successione internazionale
- Pianificazione successoria
- Successione impresa
- Passaggio generazionale impresa
- Patti di famiglia
- Pianificazione patrimoniale
- Patti successori
- Retratto successorio
- Segregazione patrimoniale
- Fenomeni particolari successione
When to contact a lawyer for testamentary successions
Many people think that testamentary succession is activated only after the death of the testator, but the truth is that a lawyer for successions can be of great help also much earlier, during patrimonial planning.
For example, imagine a family in which the head of the family owns real estate both in Italy and abroad. Drafting a will that is valid in multiple jurisdictions and that respects the rights of the forced heirs requires in-depth knowledge of national and international rules. Without adequate support, the risk is to create misunderstandings or to let the laws of one state decide, often to the detriment of the wishes of the deceased.
Another frequent situation concerns the presence of a mortgage on inherited real estate. According to Italian law, the one who accepts the inheritance also takes over the debts of the deceased, including any mortgages. However, the heirs can opt for acceptance with benefit of inventory, a procedure provided for by articles 484 and following of the Codice civile, which allows separating the patrimony of the deceased from the personal one of the heirs. An experienced lawyer is indispensable to assess the opportunity of this choice and to assist the heirs in the practical management of debts.
Contacting a lawyer for successions is fundamental also in the following cases:
- When the deceased has drafted a will of the heir that must be interpreted or made valid in Italy.
- If there are indivisible assets, such as a property, that must be divided among multiple heirs.
- If one of the heirs is a person residing abroad, making coordinated management among multiple countries necessary.
Another technical aspect to consider is the obligation to submit the declaration of succession to the Agenzia delle Entrate within 12 months of the death, an indispensable step to officially transfer the assets to the heirs. This process requires attention to detail, especially if the patrimony includes movable and immovable assets located in different jurisdictions.
The Studio Legale, with its team of experts, ensures complete and tailored assistance for every succession need.
Legal advice for testamentary succession for a foreigner in Italy
The management of a testamentary succession becomes further complicated when it concerns a foreigner residing in Italy or with assets in our country. In these cases, private international law comes into play, which regulates which law applies to the succession.
For example, according to Regolamento UE n. 650/2012, the applicable law is that of the country in which the deceased had habitual residence at the moment of death, except for different testamentary disposition. This means that a foreigner can decide to have their inheritance regulated by the laws of their country of origin, but this choice must be made with precision to avoid legal problems.
A concrete example: a French citizen residing in Italy leaves a property in Milan and a bank account in France. If they have not specified in the will which law regulates the succession, the heirs might find themselves having to face different procedures in Italy and in France, with high costs and times. In this case, Boschetti Studio Legale will manage the entire procedure for you, ensuring that the will is respected and that the assets are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.
Another delicate aspect concerns the validity of wills drafted abroad. Italian law, thanks to the Convenzione dell’Aja del 1961, recognises the validity of a foreign will if compliant with the rules of the country in which it was drafted. However, to avoid bureaucratic delays and contestations, it is always advisable to verify compatibility with Italian regulation.
In addition to legal management, another important aspect is the fiscal one. Italy provides for an inheritance tax variable based on the degree of kinship between the deceased and the heirs. For foreigners residing in Italy, calculating these taxes correctly and managing any fiscal benefits requires specific professional advice.
Boschetti Studio Legale is a law firm for international successions and offers support to:
- draft a will that is valid both in Italy and in the country of origin.
- validate foreign wills in Italy.
- coordinate the management of assets located in different jurisdictions.
- resolve conflicts between heirs, especially when they involve assets or persons in multiple countries.
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Gli scenari tipici sono stati elaborati da una fusione delle fattispecie più significative di diritto di famiglia che lo Studio tratta abitualmente, al fine di creare un caso strutturato e complesso, utile al lettore per orientarsi nella gestione del proprio caso personale. I casi studio illustrano invece vicende singole, realmente trattate, con dati e dettagli anonimizzati per garantire la riservatezza dei clienti.
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Legal advice for testamentary succession for a foreigner in Italy
Facing a testamentary succession requires attention, competence and, above all, the support of professionals capable of managing the complexities of inheritance law. Whether it is a matter of managing a will of the heir, of resolving succession issues also relating to patrimonial and real estate management, as in the case of will and the mortgage, or of assisting a person residing abroad, our firm is the ideal partner.
Also for testamentary succession for foreigners in Italy, Boschetti Studio Legale combines international experience and a deep knowledge of Italian regulations to offer concrete and personalised solutions. With our advice, we not only ensure respect for the wishes of the deceased, but we also protect the rights of the heirs, minimising the risks of disputes or procedural errors.
If you are looking for a law firm for successions or a lawyer to resolve inheritance questions, we will guide you with competence and attention, ensuring that every detail is managed with precision and in compliance with your needs.
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What happens if a foreigner dies in Italy?
When a foreigner dies in Italy, the event is communicated to the consular authorities of the country of origin. A joint management between Italian and consular institutions begins to define the future of the body, which can include repatriation or burial in Italy, with procedures that respect the wishes of the family and international rules.
How does inheritance in Italy work with a will?
The will allows clearly indicating how to divide the patrimony, but Italian law ensures inalienable rights to some heirs, such as spouse and children. Every testamentary disposition must be compatible with these rules, often requiring a balance between personal wishes and legal obligations.
To which office must the declaration of succession of a person residing abroad with assets in Italy be submitted?
The declaration of succession is submitted to the Agenzia delle Entrate, which assesses the assets located in Italy. It is a complex procedure that may require legal or fiscal assistance, especially if it involves international regulations or assets located in multiple countries.
How much does a testamentary succession cost?
The cost of a testamentary succession varies based on the complexity of the situation, involving taxes and administrative burdens. Added to these are the fees of notaries, lawyers or other professionals, suited to ensure compliance with regulations and efficient management of the inheritance patrimony.
