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Inheritance, Wills and Probate

Italian succession law governs the transfer of a deceased person’s estate, including their assets and liabilities, to their heirs. The process is regulated by the Italian Civil Code and specific tax obligations, with a distinct set of rules for cross-border successions involving international elements. 

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Types of Succession 

  1. Testamentary Succession: This occurs when the deceased has left a valid will (testamento). 

  1. Intestate Succession (Successione Legittima): In the absence of a valid will, Italian law dictates who the heirs are (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.) and what their respective shares of the estate will be. 

  1. Forced Heirship (Successione Necessaria): Italian law reserves a portion of the estate, known as the quota di riserva, for close family members called legittimari (forced heirs), typically the spouse, children, and ascendants.  

HOW CAN VARDAGS HELP YOU? 

Cross-Border Succession Planning 

  • We advise on EU Regulation 650/2012 and Italian law, helping you navigate rules on habitual residence and choice of law to ensure clarity and avoid disputes. 

Wills & Testamentary Options 

  • Our team assists in drafting valid wills under Italian law, including holographic wills, and advises on strategies to manage forced heirship rules or leverage international options. 

Probate & Estate Administration 

  • We guide heirs through the Italian probate process, from acceptance of inheritance to filing the mandatory Declaration of Succession, ensuring compliance and protecting against liabilities.  

Disputes & Litigation 

  • If conflicts arise over wills, forced heirship, or estate division, we provide strong representation to safeguard your rights and resolve disputes efficiently. 

Asset Protection & Tax Strategy 

  • We offer tailored advice on inheritance tax, property transfers, and succession planning for assets in multiple jurisdictions. 

WHY CHOOSE VARDAGS?  

Vardags is recognised as one of the top family law firms, trusted by high-net-worth clients for handling complex, high-value international divorce cases. Our leading lawyers combine exceptional legal knowledge with strategic thinking to deliver exceptional results – including Francesca Zanasi, an expert on inheritance, wills and probate law.

If you need advice on inheritance, wills, or probate in Italy, we offer a free confidential consultation to suitable clients — wealthy individuals, successful entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-profile individuals with complex family matters. Timing matters in high-stakes family law. If you think you might need our help, don’t delay. 

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Types of clients we serve

WEALTHY INTERNATIONAL INDIVIDUALS

We advise internationally mobile clients with personal, financial or business ties to Italy, alongside assets in the UK or other jurisdictions. These matters typically involve high-value cross-border wealth and offshore structures, requiring expertise in jurisdictional overlap.

WEALTHY ITALIAN INDIVIDUALS

We work with Italian individuals and families, from affluent professionals to aristocrats with generational wealth. These matters often involve domestic and international assets tied to family interests, reputation and long-term preservation.

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

We advise founders and entrepreneurs whose wealth is closely linked to privately held businesses, often across Italian and international markets. These matters typically involve shareholdings, valuation, ownership and ongoing enterprise.

LEADING FINANCIERS, BUSINESSPEOPLE, AND PROFESSIONALS

We act for globally-minded individuals at the highest levels of finance, business and professional life. These matters typically involve complex remuneration structures and investments shaped by corporate frameworks and personal holdings.

HIGH PROFILE INDIVIDUALS

We represent individuals with significant public visibility, including professional athletes, royalty, global influencers and public figures. These matters typically involve international assets, alongside heightened sensitivity around privacy, reputation and public scrutiny.

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