If you are entitled to an inheritance in Colombia and are currently living in the United States, you should know that you can indeed claim your inheritance from abroad without the need to travel. Colombian law allows all succession proceedings to be carried out remotely, especially if you have the guidance of a trusted attorney in Colombia.
What type of inheritance can you claim?
First, it is important to identify the type of succession:
- Intestate succession: when the deceased person did not leave a will. In this case, the heirs are determined according to the order established by law (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.).
- Testate succession: when the deceased left a will. Here, the express provisions made during their lifetime are respected, provided they do not infringe upon the statutory forced shares of the legal heirs.
Both types can be claimed from abroad, and can be processed through court or before a notary, depending on whether all heirs are in agreement.
How to claim your inheritance from the United States?
To manage a succession in Colombia from abroad, you will need:
- Special Power of Attorney: signed in the United States before a notary public or Colombian consulate, and apostilled to be legally valid in Colombia. This power of attorney authorizes a Colombian lawyer to represent you.
- Deceased's documentation:
- Civil death certificate.
- Civil birth certificate or identification card (cédula) of the heirs.
- Will (if one exists).
- Certificate of title and encumbrances for real estate (if there are properties).
- Information on the assets to be inherited: properties, bank accounts, vehicles, etc.
Once all documentation is gathered, your attorney in Colombia will be able to initiate the process before a notary or court, depending on the case.
How long does a succession take in Colombia?
- Succession through a notary (with agreement among heirs): can take between 1 and 3 months.
- Succession through court (when there are disputes): can take longer, depending on the case and the court.
Remember that being outside the country does not limit your rights as an heir, nor does it prevent you from participating in the distribution of assets. Everything can be done legally without you having to leave the United States.
👉 At CHS Abogados, we advise and represent you in succession proceedings throughout Colombia, even if you are abroad. With experience, clarity, and legal guidance, we claim what rightfully belongs to you without the need to travel.
