Melhores Advogados de Inventário em São Paulo

About Inventário Law in São Paulo, Brasil

Inventário is the legal process used to identify, avaliar, and transfer the assets of a deceased person to their heirs. In Brazil, this can occur through a judicial process in the courts or, when permitted, via a notary public in an extrajudicial setting. In São Paulo, as in the rest of the country, the choice between judicial and extrajudicial inventory depends on factors such as the presence of a will, disputes among heirs, and the existence of minor or disabled beneficiaries.

The extrajudicial path, handled at Cartórios de Notas (notaries), has grown in use since the 2007 reform that allowed certain inventories to be completed outside court. This option can be faster and cheaper when all heirs agree and there are no outstanding debts or legal disputes. In São Paulo, many families favor extrajudicial inventories for real estate, vehicles, and bank accounts located in the state.

“O inventário pode ser realizado de forma judicial ou extrajudicial, dependendo das circunstâncias, da existência de testamento e da concordância entre os herdeiros.”

In São Paulo, professionals such as advogados (lawyers) and public notaries play central roles. A lawyer helps navigate complex issues, including tax obligations, multi-state assets, and potential disputes. Cartórios de Notas handle a escritura pública de inventário when the extrajudicial path is chosen.

Recent trends in São Paulo show increasing reliance on digital processes and streamlined procedures for extrajudicial inventories, along with ongoing emphasis on ITCMD tax compliance and proper asset valuation. For reliable guidance, consult official sources and seek legal counsel early in the process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

These scenarios illustrate concrete situations in São Paulo where legal counsel is essential. Each example reflects common, real-world circumstances faced by families in the state.

• Disagreement among heirs about asset distribution - A São Paulo estate with three siblings cannot proceed smoothly if one heir contests the division. An attorney helps negotiate a acordo and, if needed, represents parties in court.
• Existence of a contested will or ambiguous testamentary provisions - If a deceased person left a will with vague language or conflicting instructions, a lawyer clarifies interpretation and ensures compliance with Brazilian law.
• Assets located across multiple jurisdictions (including other Brazilian states or abroad) - Real estate in SP and bank accounts in another state require careful coordination and tax planning, which a lawyer can coordinate with multiple registries.
• Minor or disabled heirs - When a minor or disabled beneficiary is involved, courts or notaries impose protective measures and guardianship rules that require legal expertise.
• Existence of debts or creditor claims against the estate - Creditors must be addressed during the inventory process; a lawyer helps prioritize payments and protect heirs from unintended liabilities.
• Complex ITCMD tax issues or real estate valuations in SP - State tax rules for transmissions causa mortis e doações (ITCMD) require professional guidance to optimize tax outcomes and avoid penalties.

Local Laws Overview

Inventário in São Paulo is governed by federal procedural rules and state level processes for notarial and tax matters. Key laws and regulations shape how inventories are conducted, who can participate, and how taxes are assessed.

• Código de Processo Civil (Lei nº 13.105/2015) - Governs judicial inventories, proceedings, and procedures in courts. This codifies the steps for opening, analyzing, and concluding an inventory through the judiciary in São Paulo and nationwide.
• Lei nº 11.441/2007 - Regulates escritura pública, cartórios de notas e registros, and created the extrajudicial inventory option when all heirs are capable and agree, no impediments exist, and there are no disputes that require court intervention. Recent references: Planalto official text.
• Lei de Registros Públicos e Lei 6.015/1973 - Provides the framework for public registries, including imóveis and assistive documents, which are essential for transfer of ownership in inventory matters processed at cartórios.
• Imposto sobre Transmissão Causa Mortis e Doação (ITCMD) - SP - State tax administered by the Secretaria da Fazenda de São Paulo on transfers by death or donation. Rates and base variam by valor e relação entre partes; a consultoria de um contador/advogado é recomendada para cumprimento adequado.

Fontes oficiais e citações relevantes:

“O inventário pode ser realizado de forma judicial ou extrajudicial, dependendo das circunstâncias, da existência de testamento e da concordância entre os herdeiros.”

“Lei nº 11.441/2007 regula os serviços notariais e de registro, e autoriza a escritura pública de inventário extrajudicial quando todos os herdeiros forem maiores e capazes, e não houver impedimentos.”

Para informações atualizadas sobre ITCMD e procedimentos em São Paulo, consulte a Secretaria da Fazenda de São Paulo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inventário in Brazil and how does it work?

Inventário is the legal process to formalize the transfer of a deceased person’s assets to heirs. It can be judicial or extrajudicial depending on conditions like consent, presence of a will, and disputes. A lawyer can determine the best path and handle filings.

How do I start a judicial inventory in São Paulo?

To start a judicial inventory, you file a petition in the appropriate São Paulo court with a lawyer. You will need death certificates, a list of assets, debts, and documents confirming heirs and their relationships.

When can extrajudicial inventory be used in São Paulo?

Extrajudicial inventory is available when all heirs are adults and capable, there is no will contest, and there are no outstanding debts or disputes requiring court intervention. The process is conducted at a notary public (cartório).

Where in São Paulo can I file or notarize an inventory?

Judicial inventories are filed in the respective judiciary branch in São Paulo. Extrajudicial inventories are conducted at a Cartório de Notas (notary) in the locality where the assets are located or where heirs reside.

Why do I need a lawyer forinventário in SP?

A lawyer helps interpret the will, resolves conflicts among heirs, calculates taxes (ITCMD), and ensures compliance with court or notary requirements. Complex estates with real estate and multi-state assets benefit from professional guidance.

Can I do an inventory without a lawyer in São Paulo?

For extrajudicial inventories, a notary can handle the process if all heirs consent and documents are complete, but many cases still require a lawyer to resolve complexities or contested issues.

How much does an inventory cost in São Paulo?

Costs include notary fees, court costs for judicial inventories, and ITCMD taxes. Lawyer fees vary by complexity and value of the estate. Always request a written estimate before starting.

Do I need to pay ITCMD for an inventory in SP?

Yes, ITCMD applies to transmissions by death and donations. The rate depends on the estate value and relationship to heirs. Consult the Secretaria da Fazenda de SP for current rates and exemptions.

How long does the inventory process take in São Paulo?

Extrajudicial inventories typically take 1 to 3 months if uncontested and documents are complete. Judicial inventories often take 6 to 12 months or longer with disputes or complex assets.

Is extrajudicial inventory available if there is a will?

Extrajudicial inventories are usually limited to cases where the will is not contested and all heirs agree to divide assets. A contested will may require judicial intervention.

What is the difference between judicial and extrajudicial inventory?

Judicial inventories occur in court and handle disputes, creditors, and guardianship issues. Extrajudicial inventories take place at a notary and are typically faster when all parties agree and no disputes exist.

Do I need a will to start inventory in São Paulo?

No, but a will affects whether the process is judicial or extrajudicial. If there is a valid will, its terms guide the distribution; some disputes may still require court intervention.

Additional Resources

• Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo (TJSP) - Official court system information, guides on inventories, and procedural norms in São Paulo. TJSP
• Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) - National guidelines on inventário, e processamento eletrônico, and norms for cartórios and registries. CNJ
• Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de São Paulo (ITCMD) - Official information on the ITCMD tax for transmissions causa mortis e doações. Secretaria da Fazenda SP
• Planalto - Leis Federais - Textos oficiais de leis relevantes, incluindo a Lei 11.441/2007 e o Código de Processo Civil. Lei 11.441/2007, Código de Processo Civil

Next Steps

1. Conferir elegibilidade para inventário extrajudicial. Verifique se todos os herdeiros são maiores e capazes, não há testamento contestado, e não existem dívidas pendentes que exijam defesa judicial. Estime a necessidade de um advogado com base na complexidade.
2. Reunir a documentação básica. Adquira certidões de óbito, certidões de casamento, documentos dos ativos (imóveis, veículos, investimentos) e relação de dívidas. Organize por tipo de bem e localização geográfica.
3. Decidir entre judicial e extrajudicial. Se houver divergências entre herdeiros ou ativos no exterior, opte pela via judicial ou solicite orientação jurídica para negociação e resolução.
4. Selecionar profissionais adequados. Consulte advogados especializados em heranças e o cartório de notas da região onde os bens estão situados. Peça orçamentos por escrito, incluindo honorários e prazos.
5. Iniciar o procedimento apropriado. Para extrajudicial, agende escritura pública de inventário no cartório. Para judicial, o advogado apresentará a ação de inventário no juízo competente.
6. Calcular e pagar ITCMD e taxas cartorárias. Consulte a Secretaria da Fazenda de SP para a alíquota atual e as isenções aplicáveis. Prepare-se para a quitação antes da conclusão.
7. Concluir a transferência de bens. Após a homologação ou escritura, registre os imóveis e finalize a partilha entre os herdeiros no Cartório de Registro de Imóveis e demais órgãos competentes.