Sampaoli & Pellacchia provides legal assistance in inheritance and succession matters in Italy, assisting private individuals in domestic and cross-border situations involving Italian assets.
Our firm supports clients in all civil, tax and procedural aspects of succession law, including estate planning, drafting of wills, probate procedures and inheritance declarations under Italian law, ensuring clarity, legal certainty and compliance with applicable regulations.

We regularly assist international clients whose estates include real estate or other assets located in Italy, offering coordinated legal support tailored to complex cross-border inheritance scenarios.

How we assist clients

We assist individuals and families in managing succession matters involving Italy, whether the succession is governed entirely by Italian law or affected by international elements.
Our assistance covers both preventive estate planning and the management of succession procedures following the death of a family member, with particular attention to cross-border issues and the interaction between Italian law and foreign legal systems.

Where necessary, all activities may be carried out remotely through a duly executed power of attorney, allowing foreign clients to manage Italian succession matters without being physically present in Italy.

Inheritance and succession legal services in Italy

Estate planning and wills

We provide legal assistance in estate planning and in the drafting of wills (testamento), taking into account the client’s personal, family and asset situation, as well as the applicable law.
Our lawyers advise on the choice of testamentary instruments under Italian law and, where relevant, on the coordination between Italian succession rules and foreign legal systems in international successions.

Particular attention is given to forced heirship rules, succession shares, and the protection of heirs’ rights under Italian law.

Italian succession procedure and probate

Sampaoli & Pellacchia assists clients throughout the Italian succession procedure, from the opening of the succession to the completion of all formalities required by Italian law.
Our services include the preparation and filing of the Italian declaration of succession (dichiarazione di successione), assistance with the acceptance or waiver of inheritance, and support in the publication and execution of wills.

As an intermediary with the Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate), we manage inheritance tax filings and the payment of related taxes, ensuring compliance with Italian fiscal regulations.

Inheritance of property and transfer of assets

We provide legal assistance in the transfer of real estate and movable assets located in Italy to heirs, including registration formalities with land registries and other competent authorities.
Our firm supports clients in coordinating succession procedures involving Italian properties, bank accounts and other assets, ensuring an orderly and legally compliant transfer.

Inheritance disputes and contentious matters

Where disputes arise among heirs or third parties, we provide legal representation in inheritance-related litigation before Italian courts.
Our assistance includes disputes concerning the validity of wills, succession shares, asset distribution and other contentious succession matters governed by Italian law.

FAQ – Inheritance and succession in Italy

Who can inherit property in Italy?
Italian law allows both Italian and foreign individuals to inherit assets located in Italy, subject to applicable succession rules.

Is it necessary to be present in Italy to manage a succession?
No. Succession procedures may be handled remotely through a power of attorney.

Does Italian law apply to international successions?
The applicable law depends on various factors, including EU regulations and the deceased’s habitual residence or nationality.

Are inheritance taxes payable in Italy?
Inheritance taxes may apply depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heirs, as well as the value and nature of the assets.

Request a consultation

Contact Sampaoli & Pellacchia for legal assistance in inheritance and succession matters involving Italy.