Best Private Client Lawyers in Italy

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Italy Law Firms
Florence, Italy

Founded in 2008
10 people in their team
Italian
English
ABOUT USOur team is made up of professionals with complementary backgrounds and experience, covering a wide range of areas of law, in particular non contentious company commercial and property law, with a particular specialisation in transactions with a cross border element. The firm’s lawyers...
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MG Law Firm

MG Law Firm

15 minutes Free Consultation
Rome, Italy

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
Italian
English
French
Spanish
MG Law is an award-winning boutique law firm specializing in Italian real estate and administrative law, assisting national and foreign investors in specialized cross-border real estate transactions concerning Italian property.The firm gained an excellent reputation for quality, expertise and...
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Studio Legale Sarappa

Studio Legale Sarappa

30 minutes Free Consultation
Naples, Italy

Founded in 1947
3 people in their team
English
Italian
Studio Legale Sarappa was established in 1947 by the late avv. GiovanniAntonio Sarappa who focused his activity on the branches of property law and inheritance law. As from 1981, his daughter, avv. Anna Sarappa, became an associate (currently she is the main partner) of the firm. Anna, on the one...
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English
Avv. Prof. Marco Ticozzi leads a distinguished law firm in Mestre, Venice, renowned for its comprehensive expertise in civil law, including family law, real estate, estate litigation, and bankruptcy. With over thirty years of experience, the firm has expanded to include offices in Treviso and...
My Lawyer in Italy
Rome, Italy

Founded in 2014
50 people in their team
Italian
English
MY LAWYER IN ITALY® is a team of experienced Italian attorneys. Whether you are seeking an Italian passport, dual citizenship, representation for inheritance, or investment in Italian real estate, our firm wants to represent you. Founded by attorney Arturo Grasso, our law firm provides legal...

English
Studio Legale Avvocato Livio Pesenti is a distinguished Italian law firm specializing in divorce, civil law, estate litigation, and family law. The firm offers comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client, ensuring personalized and effective representation in complex...

Founded in 1986
English
Studio Legale Franzetta Maria, founded in 1986 by Avvocato Maria Franzetta, has established itself as a prominent law firm in Pinerolo, Italy. With over four decades of experience, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across various sectors, including civil, commercial, family, and...
Italy Trust Lawyers
Florence, Italy

Founded in 1999
50 people in their team
Italian
English
Italian Lawyers expert in TrustsThe founder of Italy Trust Lawyers, Mr. Saverio Bartoli, has been among the first Italian lawyers to study the law of trusts in Italy after the Ratification by the Italian Parliament of the Hague Convention on the law applicable to trusts and on their...
Reboa Law Firm
Rome, Italy

Founded in 1979
10 people in their team
Italian
English
The Reboa Law Firm was founded in 1979 by Romolo Reboa, a lawyer qualified to practice law before the Italian Supreme Courts, journalist and legal auditor.During these forty years, Italian political and economic personalities, including a President of the Chamber of Deputies and Ministers of the...
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About Private Client Law in Italy

Private Client law in Italy encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect individuals and families in their personal and financial affairs. This practice area typically includes estate planning, succession, tax planning for individuals, wealth management, family law issues, inheritance, trusts, and asset protection. Italian Private Client lawyers assist clients in navigating complex rules regarding property, taxation, probate, and cross-border estate matters, ensuring compliance with Italian law while achieving clients' goals.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People often seek a Private Client lawyer in Italy for several reasons. Common situations include drafting or amending a will, managing inheritance and succession planning, handling probate and estate administration, dealing with property transfers or disputes within families, and navigating the complexities of Italian and international tax obligations. If you have assets in Italy, wish to set up a trust, face family law issues like divorce, or need to navigate the Italian legal system due to cross-border residency or assets, consulting a specialist lawyer can help protect your interests and avoid costly mistakes.

Local Laws Overview

Private Client matters in Italy are governed by specific sections of the Italian Civil Code, succession laws, tax regulations, and family law. Unlike some countries, Italy has forced heirship rules, meaning certain family members (such as children and spouses) have a legal right to a share of the estate, regardless of the contents of a will. There are also distinct procedures for drafting valid wills, managing inheritance taxation (Imposta di successione), and administering estates for residents and non-residents. Foreigners owning property or assets in Italy must also comply with local laws, especially where international treaties or EU regulations (such as the EU Succession Regulation, “Brussels IV”) may apply. Trusts are recognized only within certain boundaries, largely due to Italy’s adoption of the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts, though use of trusts is not as widespread as in some other jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does forced heirship mean in Italy?

Forced heirship laws ensure that specific family members, such as children, spouses, and sometimes parents, are entitled to a portion of an estate, regardless of the decedent’s wishes in their will. Disregarding these rules can lead to invalidation of a will or challenges in court.

Can a foreigner own property in Italy and pass it on to heirs?

Yes, foreigners can own property in Italy. The inheritance of such property is subject to Italian succession law, although some treaties and the EU Succession Regulation may allow the application of the owner’s national law under certain conditions.

Are Italian wills different from those in other countries?

Yes, Italian law recognizes several types of wills (holographic, public, and secret). Each has specific requirements for validity. It is important to draft any will in compliance with Italian legal formalities if you own assets in Italy.

Do I need to pay inheritance tax in Italy?

Italy imposes inheritance tax (Imposta di successione), but rates and allowances vary depending on the relationship between the deceased and beneficiaries, and the value of the estate. Spouses and children receive generous exemptions.

Is it possible to create a trust in Italy?

Italy recognizes trusts established under the Hague Convention, but the use of trusts follows special rules and usually requires careful structuring, often with cross-border elements. Not all types of trusts are available.

How does probate work in Italy?

Probate, or succession, involves a legal process where heirs and executors apply for succession certificates, manage debts, settle taxes, and transfer assets to beneficiaries. The process must comply with Italian law and can involve notaries and courts.

What happens if I die without a will in Italy?

If you die intestate (without a will), Italian law determines your heirs according to the rules of intestate succession, which largely follow the forced heirship model. Immediate family members usually inherit first.

Are there any special rules for cross-border estates?

Yes, cross-border succession is complex. The EU Succession Regulation allows EU nationals to choose the law of their habitual residence or nationality for their estate, but local Italian rules may still apply for assets located in Italy.

Do I need a lawyer to buy or inherit property in Italy?

While not always legally required, having a lawyer is highly recommended to ensure compliance with Italian law, to manage taxes, and to avoid mistakes, especially for non-residents or those unfamiliar with the Italian system.

Can I disinherit a child or spouse in Italy?

Generally, it is very difficult. Due to forced heirship rules, completely disinheriting a child or spouse is often not possible. Any attempt to do so can be contested in court.

Additional Resources

For more guidance, individuals can refer to the following resources:

- The Italian Ministry of Justice (Ministero della Giustizia) offers official guidelines on succession, inheritance, and family law. - The Notaries of Italy (Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato) provides extensive information on wills, successions, and property transactions. - The Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) explains tax obligations and inheritance tax. - The Embassy or Consulate of your home country in Italy can assist with cross-border legal matters. - Local bar associations (Ordini degli Avvocati) can recommend specialized Private Client lawyers in the region.

Next Steps

If you require legal advice or assistance for a Private Client matter in Italy, start by gathering all relevant documentation, including property titles, wills, family records, and tax documents. Consider preparing a list of your specific questions and objectives. Seek out a specialized Private Client lawyer with experience in Italian succession, estate planning, and tax matters. Consult the above resources or contact your local consulate for recommendations. An initial consultation can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and possible strategies, ensuring that you make informed decisions and protect your interests under Italian law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Italy through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Client, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Italy - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.