Inheritance in Puerto Rico · From the States
Inherited a house in Puerto Rico but live in the States? Here's what happens next.
The steps in order, what you can do from where you live, and who looks after the house while the paperwork moves. In plain words.
The questions we hear most
From families in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and on the island. Short answers; your case may have its own details.
Do I have to fly to Puerto Rico?
Not necessarily. If you live off the island, you can sign with a power of attorney. Your notary or attorney tells you how to sign it from where you are. Lines, offices and visits to the house can be handled here for you.
Is there probate in Puerto Rico?
Not like in the States. Here it starts with two questions: was there a will, and if not, who are the legal heirs. That is the declaratoria de herederos, done in court or before a notary.
Who inherits the house?
It depends on two things: whether there was a will, and when the person died. Deaths on or after November 28, 2020 fall under the new Civil Code. That date is the first thing to check.
Is there an inheritance tax?
For deaths since January 1, 2018 there is no estate tax. But you do need the release (relevo) from Hacienda. Without it you can't register the house, sell it or withdraw money from the bank. It has a deadline: confirm yours with your attorney or CPA.
I already have the declaratoria. Why can't I sell?
Because the declaratoria only says who inherits. You still need the Hacienda release, the CRIM debt paid off, every heir signing, and the house registered in the heirs' names at the Property Registry.
What if a sibling won't sign or can't be found?
To sell the whole house, every heir signs. If one won't, an attorney decides the legal path. We talk with each heir, gather the papers and organize the case so the attorney's time counts.
What happens to the house in the meantime?
It stays in the name of the person who died, the CRIM keeps running, and a closed house falls apart little by little: roof, termites, humidity. Someone has to go see it.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the case: government fees, the attorney or notary, and the coordination. We start with a video consultation, and in it we tell you which steps your case needs and what each one costs. Some families leave with a written checklist to do it themselves.
The steps, in order
The same order as our free sheet. Not every case needs all six.
- Was there a will?Certificate from the Registro de Testamentos.
- Declaration of heirsIf there's no will, it officially names who inherits. Court or notary.
- Hacienda releaseWithout it you can't register, sell or withdraw bank funds. It has a deadline.
- CRIM debtRequest the debt certificate. It must be paid before you sell.
- Heirs agreeTo sell the whole house, everyone signs. Off the island, with a power of attorney.
- The house in the heirs' namesRegistered at the Property Registry. Until then, it stays in the name of the person who died.
Download the free sheet (Spanish) Download the free sheet (English)
How LUMAVI helps from here
You stay there. We handle it here. We coordinate; the attorney or notary signs and files.
Video consultation
You tell us everything; your siblings can join. We organize what you have, what's missing and what comes first.
See the consultations →We organize your case
Documents, CRIM, Registry, talking with each heir, and coordinating with the attorney or notary. You get updates in writing.
See errands and documents →We look after the house
While the paperwork moves: dated photos, a check after every storm, and someone who answers when you call.
See care plans →
Six heirs. One house in Comerío. Some on the island, some in the States, and nobody could agree. It took months. Not because the house was complicated, but because people are.
In the end, all six signed, and today a family lives there. That inheritance, my own, is why LUMAVI exists.
Lumi · President and Founder of LUMAVI
General guidance, not legal advice. Every legal determination is made by a licensed Puerto Rico attorney or notario público. LUMAVI is not a law firm; we coordinate, retrieve documents and verify records in the field. Third-party costs at cost, with receipts.
Start with one call
In 30 minutes by video you'll know which steps your case needs and what comes first. On the island or off it.
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