Finding a will in Italy

~ Legal professionals, some questions/answers to assist you ~

When the existence of a will has been established, who has to be contacted to obtain information about its content?

Information on the content of the will is sent by the notary responsible for settling the succession. This can be either the notary holding the will or a different notary, whose contact details can be provided by the notary holding the will. The latter can be located by making a search of the Italian Register of Wills.

Who is entitled to receive the information?

After the death of the testator and the publication of the will, the will becomes public. Anyone can then obtain a copy.

Is there a particular procedure to be followed? If so, which one?

For the information contained in the will, or a copy of the will itself, to be communicated, the will must have been published in accordance with Italian law.

By what means can the information be sent?

The information contained in the will and/or a certified copy of the record of the opening are sent by post or electronically.

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