Best Inheritance Law Lawyers in Casablanca

1. About Inheritance Law in Casablanca, Morocco

Inheritance matters in Casablanca are governed by Moroccan law, with local notaries playing a central role in administering estates. In many cases, heirs must obtain official proof of succession and transfer property through notarial acts. For Muslims, Islamic law generally applies, with fixed shares defined for heirs as part of Sharia principles.

Casablanca, as a major commercial hub, often involves complex estates that include real estate in the city, businesses, and overseas assets. A local avocat (lawyer) or notaire can help you navigate the paperwork, timelines, and filings required to settle an estate. This guidance is essential to avoid delays and ensure legal compliance across all heirs and jurisdictions involved.

In Morocco, inheritance rules for Muslims follow Sharia with fixed shares known as faraid.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

These are concrete, real-world scenarios where residents of Casablanca typically seek Inheritance Law legal help. Each involves specific procedures, timelines, or potential disputes.

• A surviving spouse seeks their share after a spouse passes away, and the heirs disagree on how to apply the fixed shares or the usufruct rights in Casablanca real estate.
• A will exists but a child or sibling challenges its validity or claims more than their legal share under the Moudawana rules.
• There is real estate in Casablanca registered under the decedent but owned jointly with a non-resident or foreign beneficiary, requiring cross-border coordination.
• Multiple heirs contest the probate process and allege forged documents or mismanagement of assets by the executor or administrator.
• The estate includes a business or commercial interests that require valuation, transfer approvals, and reconciling shareholding with local company law.
• The deceased had assets in Casablanca and abroad, creating dual tax and filing obligations that require expert coordination with Moroccan authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

Casablanca residents are subject to the same national frameworks that govern inheritance, with local practice shaped by court procedures and notarial practice in major cities.

Code de la Famille (Moudawana) - The Family Code reform implemented in the early 2000s, with full effect from 2004, governs personal status and inheritance shares for Muslim descendants, including spousal and parental rights. This code shapes how fixed shares are allocated among legal heirs and interacts with testamentary dispositions.

Code Civil Marocain (Civil Code) and Islamic Law interaction - Civil law principles interface with Sharia in inheritance matters. The Civil Code provides procedural rules for estates not entirely governed by family law, and it interacts with doctrinal inheritances when non-Muslim or cross-border issues arise.

Notarial and estate administration framework - Notaries in Casablanca handle certification of heirs, succession declarations, and transfer of property titles. The notarial system facilitates efficient estate settlement and allows for formalized distribution of assets under Moroccan law.

Recent trends in Casablanca emphasize improving notarial procedures and cross-border estate planning where assets are located outside Morocco. These developments aim to reduce delays in transferring property and to simplify the probate process for heirs living abroad.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is inheritance law in Morocco?

Inheritance law in Morocco combines Sharia principles for Muslims with civil law procedures for estate administration. It defines fixed shares for heirs and the process to transfer ownership of assets after death.

How do I start a succession case in Casablanca?

Begin by gathering death certificates, family documents, and asset lists. Consult a Casablanca avocat to advise on next steps, file with the local court or notary, and initiate the estate inventory.

Where can I file for probate or succession in Casablanca?

Probate and succession matters are typically handled by local courts or notaries in Casablanca. An avocat can guide you to the correct jurisdiction and filing requirements.

When does the Moudawana apply to inheritance?

The Moudawana governs inheritance for Muslim heirs and sets fixed shares. It applies automatically to eligible Muslim descendants unless a valid legally executed will alters the outcome within permitted limits.

Why might I need a notary for inheritance?

A notary certifies heirs, drafts and authenticates acts, and facilitates the transfer of real property and assets. Notaries help ensure title transfers comply with Moroccan law.

Can a will override fixed shares under Sharia in Morocco?

A will cannot generally reduce fixed shares for legal heirs under Sharia. Testamentary dispositions must respect legal shares and may be constrained by the law.

Should I hire a lawyer or a notary for inheritance matters?

Both may be needed. A lawyer handles disputes and interpretation of law, while a notary handles authentication and transfer of assets. Depending on your case, you may need both.

Do I need documents to start the process, and which ones?

Expect to provide death certificates, proof of relation, identity documents for heirs, and asset records. Additional documents may include property deeds and tax statements.

Is the inheritance process in Casablanca time consuming?

Processing times vary by case complexity, asset type, and court capacity. Simple cases with clear titles may take several months; complex disputes can extend beyond a year.

What is the cost to hire a lawyer for inheritance matters?

Fees depend on case complexity and time spent. Expect consultation fees, hourly rates, and potential success fees if a dispute is resolved or a settlement is reached.

Do I need to prove my relationship to the decedent?

Yes. You typically must prove your family relationship with official documents to establish your legal standing as an heir or beneficiary.

Is there a difference between intestate and testate succession in Casablanca?

Yes. Intestate succession follows fixed shares determined by law, while testate succession may specify dispositions within legal limits and require probate procedures.

5. Additional Resources

• Service-Public.ma - Official portal for public services, including guidance on civil status, inheritance, and notary requirements. Visit
• Ministère de la Justice - Government authority overseeing the justice system, family law, and probate processes. Visit
• Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP) - Official statistics and demographic data that can inform estate planning and inheritance planning. Visit
• Ministère des Finances - Tax and fiscal guidance related to inheritance, estate taxes, and related filings. Visit

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your objective and gather key documents within 1-2 weeks. This includes death certificate, identity papers, and asset lists.
2. Consult a Casablanca avocat to assess whether a will exists, the heirs involved, and potential disputes. Schedule an initial meeting within 1-3 weeks.
3. Ask for a written plan detailing the probate or dispute resolution path, estimated timelines, and expected costs. Request a written retainer if you proceed.
4. Decide whether you need a notary for asset transfers and prepare asset-specific documents for notarial certification. Plan for 2-6 weeks of coordination.
5. Submit the necessary filings to the appropriate court or notary office in Casablanca. Track progress weekly and respond promptly to requests for information.
6. Review any offers, settlements, or court decisions with your avocat. If needed, pursue appeals or mediation to resolve disputes.
7. Finalize asset transfers and obtain title deeds in the heirs' names. Confirm tax filings and ensure compliance with Moroccan law.