Italian debts after death

penny_less

My Italian father recently died leaving many thousands of euro debts. Some are business debts.
The Italian system means that debts are inherited. For various practical reasons is will be difficult for me to refuse succession.
Does anyone know if, as a non Italian citizen, who has never lived or worked in Italy would I actually be liable for these debts and actually have anyone chasing me for them?

hjd

penny_less wrote: »

My Italian father recently died leaving many thousands of euro debts. Some are business debts.
The Italian system means that debts are inherited. For various practical reasons is will be difficult for me to refuse succession.
Does anyone know if, as a non Italian citizen, who has never lived or worked in Italy would I actually be liable for these debts and actually have anyone chasing me for them?

Can't really help with your question but when my daughter's Italian fiance's father died, he left debts and his sons declined the inheritance so did not have to inherit his debts. One son still lives in the family apartment as the bank have not yet tried to sell it. Property market is not good in their town. Italian bureaucracy has not improved.

Keep_pedalling

Was your father resident in Italy or the UK?

penny_less

He was an Italian citizen, residing in Italy.

Keep_pedalling

If his estate is insolvent then you should really walk away, as a UK citizen none of these debts can be enforced on you.

penny_less

Thank you both for your replies. Keep peddling, your advice is much appreciated. I was hoping this would be the case.

Curlylady

Hello. Firstly I am sorry for your loss.
Were you registered at birth in Italy and hold dual nationality? Also do you have any siblings? I have had personal experience experience with this subject matter, and would be happy to share my experience with you.

penny_less

Thank you Curlylady. I am a uk citizen, my birth was in the uk and was registered here. I have one Italian half sibling.

penny_less

Just to add, I do not have dual nationality, British only.

Curlylady

You have certainly recognised the succession law and to renounce this would be a complicated, lengthy and costly process. However, once succession is completed, you and any siblings are liable for any debts and existing expenses (dependant on whether there is property involved) according to the inheritance law in Italy.
I and my 2 siblings had to go through this when my mother passed away. My parents were both Italian, lived in the UK for over 50 years until they both passed, my siblings and I were born in the UK, therefore we are British Citizens with British passports ect, but were also registered as Italian Citizens at birth, despite never having lived or worked in Italy. We inherited a property and the all the taxes that come with it!
I sought legal advice, working with an Italian Lawyer (speaking excellent English) soon realised there was no way out. Unfortunately the Italian law is very complicated.
I would urge you to seek professional legal advice regarding this matter. One would hope you will be exempt however without knowing your full Italian family history I would not like to suggest anything otherwise. Feel free to PM me if you wish to compare.

penny_less

Thank you Curlylady-I’ve sent you a PM