What is the Declaration of Heirs?
✅ The Declaration of Heirs is a legal document that determines who the heirs are when a person dies without having made a will.
🛑 If the deceased left a valid will, a Declaration of Heirs is not required.
📌 Step 1: Fill out the Assessment Form
Before starting any process, please fill out our Inheritance Evaluation FormWith that information, we can determine whether this is a non-contentious probate matter that we can handle and what steps need to be taken.
Before starting any process, please fill out our Inheritance Evaluation FormWith that information, we can determine whether this is a non-contentious probate matter that we can handle and what steps need to be taken.
If the case falls within our scope and is accepted, we will provide you with a written statement of our fees and the next steps to be taken. The steps described below are actions we will take, as applicable to your case, after reviewing the information you have provided, confirming that the case qualifies, and receiving payment of the applicable fees.
⚠️ Important — Scope and limitations of the service
🚫 We do not handle disputes among heirs, will contests, formal objections, or other contentious cases. In general, we also do not accept probate cases involving a large number of heirs, multiple decedents, or deaths that occurred more than 10 to 15 years ago.
We handle only non-contentious probate matters, including probate proceedings with or without a will, Declaration of Heirs, Inheritance Estate Form related procedures with the Land Registry, CRIM, financial institutions, and motor vehicle registration authorities, as applicable.
👉 Steps we take when handling an inheritance in Puerto Rico
At Abogado Notario Online, we handle the necessary procedures for processing an uncontested inheritance in Puerto Rico, including, as applicable:
- Determine whether there is a will, and if not, file a Declaration of Heirs. First, we determine whether the deceased left a will. If there is no will, we file the appropriate petition with the court to officially identify the legal heirs.
- Submit the Inheritance Estate Form to the Department of the Treasury to report the decedent’s assets and request the applicable Waiver certification, as applicable.
- Transfer real estate properties in the Property Registry, if applicable. If the estate includes apartments, houses, farms, or other real estate, we will take the necessary steps to update the ownership records.
- Update information with the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM), if applicable. When real estate is involved, we handle the update of CRIM records to accurately reflect the heirs.
- Coordinate with financial institutions, if applicable. If there are bank accounts, credit unions, or other funds, we will coordinate with the relevant institution to ensure that any disbursements, final checks, or related procedures are processed in favor of the heirs, as appropriate.
- Transfer of motor vehicles, if applicable. If the estate includes vehicles registered in Puerto Rico, we provide guidance and coordinate the necessary steps for their transfer, subject to the applicable documents and requirements.
Our service is designed for non-contentious cases—that is, situations where there are no disputes among heirs, challenges to a will, legal disputes, or other complications that require litigation.
⚖️ Order of Heirs
Generally speaking, the order of succession in Puerto Rico may include:
- Descendants—children—and spouse.
- Ancestors—parents—.
- Brothers and nephews.
- Uncles and cousins.
- Government, in the absence of heirs.
📑 Commonly required documents
The required documents may vary depending on the situation, but they typically include:
- Death Certificate.
- Birth certificates for the children.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Divorce decree or certificate, if applicable.
- Documents related to real estate, bank accounts, cooperatives, motor vehicles, or other assets, as applicable.
⚠️ Important: Certificates from Puerto Rico must be in the current official format, issued since July 2010. At Abogado Notario Online, we handle this as part of the process. If you don’t have them, don’t worry.
✳️ For a general list of documents and requirements, see our Inheritance Checklist Puerto Rico.
⏱ Processing time
📅 Approximately: 3 months, depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of documents, and the response times of agencies, courts, registries, financial institutions, or other relevant entities.
Ready to get started?
👉 Please fill out our Inheritance Evaluation Form.
With the information you provide, we will be able to determine whether this is a non-litigation matter that we can handle, inform you of the applicable fees, and advise you on the next steps.
Inheritance Evaluation Form:
