Testate Succession (Inheritance by Will)

A method of distributing property after the owner’s death, in which the deceased’s will, made either handwritten or notarized, determines the heirs and the allocation of the estate. The will must be executed by a person who is at least 18 years old, not under full legal incapacity, and capable of acting reasonably. The testator may dispose only of the property outside the reserved portion for the closest heirs – descendants, parents, and spouse. A will may be general (universal), covering all or part of the testator’s estate, granting the beneficiary the status of heir. A will concerning a specific item or asset is a specific bequest (legacy) and confers the status of legatee on the person for whom it is made.