Right of Representation in Italian Succession

Representation is the right of a descendant to replace an ascendant if the latter is unable or unwilling to accept an inheritance or legacy.

In order to take place, it must be based on two premises:

-The ascendant, who does not wish to or is unable to succeed, must legally be entitled to succeed;

-In case of testamentary succession, there must be no other provisions made by the testator which prevail over representation.

When does representation take place?

Representation thus takes places whenever someone, who is entitled to succeed a beneficiary as per Italian law or as provided for in a Will, is unable or unwilling to succeed:

-Unwilling, means the beneficiary does not accept the inheritance or renounces it;

-Unable, means that the beneficiary dies before opening the succession process, the beneficiary is unfit to inherit or has lost the right to accept.

Through representation, legitimate or natural descendants replace the beneficiary unwilling or unable to succeed. If, for example, a child dies before his/her father, the father’s other children, and the predeceased child’s children will be entitled to inherit the deceased child’s part of the inheritance. These heirs will be assigned the quota which their ascendant would have been entitled to.

Representation takes place:

-In a direct line, known as lineal consanguinity, if legitimate, legitimised, adopted or natural children become co-heirs;

Example of Italian law of representation in collateral consanguinity

-In collateral relationships, known as collateral consanguinity, descendants of the deceased’s brothers and sisters become co-heirs.

Example of Italian law of representation in collateral consanguinity

When does not representation take place?

Representation does not apply if the person to be replaced in succession is not a descendant. For example, a sister of the deceased can make a representation but not her husband. Likewise, representation cannot occur if, in testamentary succession, the testator has already indicated in a Will what should happen in the case an entitled beneficiary is unwilling or unable to accept inheritance.

For more information about Italian succession, you might find our Guide helpful. If you would like to discuss a case with us, please contact us.

Related Posts

Will in Italy: Don’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance

Will in Italy: Don’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance

Having a will is crucial, especially for foreign citizens who own assets and properties in Italy. It not only assigns inheritance to the appropriate beneficiary but also prevents conflicts and even enables tax savings. Let's take a closer look at each case with...

The Importance of an Italian Notary’s Escrow Account

The Importance of an Italian Notary’s Escrow Account

When buying or selling a property in Italy, there are two crucial payments involved: the deposit and the balance. Ensuring the proper handling of these payments is essential to protect the interests of all parties involved. In this article, we will explore the...

Italian Inheritance Tax – Imposta di successione

Italian Inheritance Tax – Imposta di successione

Italian inheritance tax, “Imposte di Successione” was abolished by law no. 383 of 18 October 2001. Subsequently, the government re-introduced inheritance tax through law no. 286, dated 24th November 2006. The law has been applicable to inheritance cases since 3rd...

Comments

0 Comments