Filing of a handwritten will
It's the act through which a will is formally presented to the authorities, typically a handwritten will (ológrafo), written in the testator's own hand, so it's recognized, given fecha cierta (a legally certain date, so the document holds up against third parties) and can take effect in the estate. We handle the whole procedure and guide you through it.
Requesting a quote doesn't commit you to anything
- You tell us about your case. It's free.
- We send you the price in writing, within 1 to 3 hours.
- You decide. If it works for you, we start. If not, you delete it with one click and pay nothing.
No one will pressure you. Your information is used only for your case.
Is it for you?
If any of these sounds like you, this procedure is for you.
- For heirs, relatives or designated persons who, after the testator's death, have a will in their possession, typically a handwritten one, and need to file it formally so it's recognized and takes effect in the estate
What's included and what isn't
Everything clear from the start. No fine print.
Includes
- Review of the case, the type of will and the applicable route.
- Gathering and preparation of the documents.
- Handling of the will's filing with all its formalities.
- Support at every stage.
- Delivery of the formal record of the filing.
Does not include
- The division or distribution of the inheritance, which is a later stage.
- The inheritance tax return (declaración sucesoral) with SENIAT (Venezuela's tax and customs authority), which we handle separately.
- Drafting a new will.
- The official notary fee or the court expenses, which is paid separately and which we explain based on the route for your case.
Add to your procedure
Check it and we include it in your quote. You decide at the end.
What you need
Check off what you already have. You don't need everything to request your quote.
You have 0 of 4.
- The testator's death certificate
- The will you're going to file
- Your cédula (Venezuelan national ID card) and proof of your relationship to or interest in the estate
- With that, we review the type of will and the applicable route, and gather the rest of the documents with you
How the process works
You do very little. We take care of the rest. The whole process: on average, 1 to 3 weeks.
- Step 1
You give us the will
You tell us the situation and bring us the death certificate and the will.
You do this - Step 2
We define the route
We review the type of will and tell you the route and the formalities that apply.
We do this - Step 3
We file it
We gather the documents, confirm the cost, and the filing is carried out with all its formalities, before the notary or the court, depending on the route.
We do this - Result
Done
We hand you the record of filing and guide you on the estate.
You receive it
From the time we gather the documents, depending on the formalities the case requires. It's an act that must meet every requirement for the will to be recognized.
What it costs and how to pay
There are two separate payments, and we want you to see them clearly.
Our fee: we do all the work for you.
The official notary fee. It goes straight to the agency, and we give you the exact amount, with its receipt, before you pay anything.
How you pay: 50% when we start and 50% on delivery. In dollars, in bolívares at the official BCV exchange rate, or with Cashea.
How is your investment calculated?
Your investment has two parts, which we break out for you. Our base professional fee, from $120, for guiding you through and handling the filing with all its formalities
The official notary fee or the court expenses, depending on the route that applies to your case. Official amounts are paid in bolívares at the official BCV (Central Bank of Venezuela) exchange rate Your lawyer gives you the exact figure before you pay anything, no strings attached.
FAQ
What happens if I keep the will in a drawer and don't file it?
It isn't valid on its own: until it's formally filed and recognized, the inheritance is divided as if it didn't exist, and the deceased's wishes are lost.
Is a handwritten will valid?
It can be, if it's an ológrafo will that meets the requirements, but it must be formally filed to be recognized.
How much does it cost?
The professional fee, from $120, covers reviewing the document and handling the filing; the official fee is separate, and the inheritance tax return with SENIAT is handled as a separate service.
Is it done before a notary or a court?
It depends on the type of will and the case; we review it and tell you.
How is it different from opening a sealed will?
A sealed will was signed sealed and gets opened; here you're filing one whose content you already know, typically a handwritten one.
What comes next, and what do I need?
Next come the inheritance tax return and the division of the estate; to get started, the death certificate is essential.
About this procedure
Not every will takes effect just because it exists. A handwritten will (ológrafo), the one a person writes in their own hand, and other wills must be formally presented to the authorities after the death so they're recognized, given fecha cierta and can be enforced in the estate. That's what this service is for. The document is verified, the legal formalities are met and it's formally filed, so the heirs can move forward with the inheritance. It's a delicate act, emotionally heavy because it comes during grief, and with formal requirements that, if not met, can weaken the will. That's why support is what matters: we gather the documents, handle the filing with all its formalities and explain each step calmly. Depending on the case and the type of will, the filing may need to go through a notary (a public official) or through the courts; we review your situation and tell you clearly which applies and what it involves, so you don't carry the red tape alone at a time like this.
Legal framework and important notes
Ley de Registros y Notarías (Registries and Notaries Law) · Código Civil (Civil Code)
- Keep the will exactly as it is; don't alter it or write notes on it, because any change can weaken it
- Depending on the type of will, the route may be through a notary or the courts, and we clarify that from the start
- And don't confuse this with opening a sealed will, which is when the document is sealed; here you're filing one whose content is already known
- It's a delicate time, and we're with you every step of the way
We guarantee our service, not what the agency decides. If something depends on them, we tell you clearly and in time.
Is your case different?Ask us, message us on WhatsApp or book a free consultation. A real person answers you.