SC · Sucesiones ColombiaSUCESIONES COLOMBIA
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Inheritance & Estate Matters in Colombia.

Legal representation to start, advance, or resolve estate proceedings in Colombia — with or without a will, before a notary or in court.

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01

Key concepts

What the estate includes

The estate comprises the assets, rights, and obligations left by a person who has passed away, which must be distributed according to Colombian law or the will.

What an estate proceeding is

The legal proceeding in which heirs, assets, debts, and allotments are identified so the estate can be legally transferred. In Colombia this is known as a 'sucesión'.

Wills under Colombian law

A will allows a person to dispose of certain assets within the limits set by Colombian law, and can help prevent later disputes between heirs.

Proceedings with a will

When the deceased left a valid will, its legality, scope, and manner of execution must be reviewed before distribution.

02

Available routes

Proceedings without a will

When there is no will, Colombian law determines who the heirs are and how the estate is distributed.

Notarial proceeding

Available when the interested parties agree and the legal requirements are met. It can be faster when the documents are complete.

Court proceeding

Required when there is no agreement, there are absent or unrecognized heirs, or the assets are in dispute.

Planning during your lifetime

Preventive estate planning to organize assets before passing away, using the legal instruments available in Colombia.

03

Situations we handle

  • Heirs living in the United States or abroad who need representation in Colombia.
  • Heirs omitted from a proceeding already carried out.
  • Assets discovered after the proceeding was completed.
  • Real estate that must be registered in the heirs' names.
  • Estates with debts, taxes, or pending registry issues.
  • Powers of attorney granted from abroad so you do not have to travel to begin.

Frequently asked questions

What clients ask us most

+My family completed an estate proceeding in Colombia and I was left out. What can I do?

It must be reviewed whether you held inheritance rights, whether you were omitted from the proceeding, and what steps were taken. Depending on the case, options may include a petition for inheritance, an annulment action, a correction of the proceeding, or the corresponding court action.

+I want to prevent disputes between my children after I pass away. What can I do?

You can organize your estate during your lifetime through a will, family agreements, document organization, review of assets, gifts, a civil trust, or other instruments allowed under Colombian law. The goal is legal clarity that reduces room for conflict.

+Does an estate proceeding in Colombia always require a judge?

No. When the interested parties agree and the legal requirements are met, the proceeding may be handled before a Colombian notary. When there is conflict, unrecognized heirs, or disputes over assets, a court proceeding may be required.

+What if an asset appears after the proceeding has closed?

It may be possible to request the inclusion of that asset through an additional allotment, so the asset that was not part of the original proceeding is properly distributed.

+Can I start an estate proceeding in Colombia while living in the United States?

Yes. In many cases you can begin with an initial legal review, grant a power of attorney, and be represented in Colombia without traveling to get started.

+Which documents are needed to start?

Generally civil records, the death certificate, identity documents, deeds, title certificates, and information about assets, debts, and heirs. The exact documents depend on each case.

Schedule a consultation with SUCESIONES COLOMBIA

Tell us what you need to resolve in Colombia. We will review your information and explain the possible path forward.

Schedule a consultationChat on WhatsApp