How to Claim an Inheritance in Colombia if You Live in the U.S.

When a relative passes away in Colombia and leaves assets to heirs abroad, the process may seem complicated. However, with the right legal advice, you can claim an inheritance without the need to travel to Colombia.
For Abogados en cali, the recent increase of Colombians in the U.S. has brought new opportunities and legal challenges in inheritance processes. One of the most common questions for mejores abogados en cali  is: How can I claim an inheritance in Colombia if I live in the U.S.? Here, we explain the key steps to do so easily.

1. Verify if There is a Will

The first step is to confirm if the deceased relative left a will. You can check with the notary where it might have been registered or with the Superintendence of Notaries and Registry in Colombia.
If there is a will: Follow the process outlined in the document.
If there is no will: The intestate succession process applies, meaning the assets will be distributed according to the legal procedure.

2. Gather the Necessary Documents

To start the claim or succession process, you will need the following documents:

• Civil registration of the deceased.
• Civil birth certificates of the heirs.
• Civil marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Copy of the heirs’ citizenship IDs.
• Property deeds and bank certificates of the deceased.

Choose the Type of Process: Notarial or Judicial

For the experts abogados de familia en cali, the succession in Colombia can be processed in two ways:

• Notarial: If all heirs agree on the percentages, the process is done in a notary office.
• Judicial: If there are conflicts between heirs or minors involved, the process must be carried out before a judge.

In either case, having best layers will make everything easier.

Grant Power of Attorney to a Lawyer in Colombia

If you live in the U.S. and want to carry out the process, there’s no need to travel to Colombia—you can authorize a lawyer to act on your behalf. To do so, you must:

• Draft the power of attorney before a notary in the U.S.
• Apostille it with the relevant State Department.
• Send it to Colombia for legal recognition.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The processing time depends on the type of succession:

• Notarial: It may take between 1 and 2 months if there are no issues.
• Judicial: It can extend from 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case.

Conclusion

Claiming an inheritance in Colombia from the U.S. is a possible and manageable process if you have the correct documentation and the support of expert family law attorneys. If you need help, seek specialized advice to avoid delays and legal issues.