When an estate opens, one of the most complex and frequent scenarios involves an inherited property that, by its nature, cannot be divided among the heirs without compromising its functionality or economic value. This situation often generates family tensions and legal uncertainties. As an expert lawyer in inheritance law in Milan, Avv. Marco Bianucci deeply understands the delicate dynamics that arise when an asset of emotional and economic value, such as the family home, becomes a subject of dispute. The primary objective in these circumstances is to transform a potential stalemate into a resolution that protects the value of the estate and respects the rights of each co-heir.
Italian law, and specifically Article 720 of the Civil Code, specifically governs the case of properties that are not conveniently divisible. A property is defined as such when its division would require excessively costly construction work, complex structural alterations, or when the division would lead to a significant depreciation of the resulting shares compared to the value of the whole. In these cases, the law provides alternative paths to physical division. The preferred solution is the assignment of the entire property to one of the co-heirs (or to multiple co-heirs who jointly request it), with the obligation to pay the others a monetary sum to compensate for the value of the shares not received. If none of the heirs are willing or able to take over the property, or if there are irreconcilable disputes over its assignment, the property will be sold at auction, i.e., a judicial sale, the proceeds of which will then be divided among those entitled.
The approach of Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in inheritance law in Milan, is based on a strategy aimed at maximizing the economic outcome for the client, prioritizing out-of-court solutions whenever possible. In fact, an auction sale often leads to a reduction in the market value of the asset, which is why the firm works diligently to reach a contractual division agreement or to manage the direct assignment of the property. During the negotiation phase or in any subsequent division proceedings, attention is focused on the accurate valuation of the property and verification of the solvency of any proposed compensation payments. The Bianucci Law Firm assists the client at every step, from mandatory mediation to the judicial phase, ensuring that technical appraisals reflect the real Milan real estate market value and that the co-heir's rights are vigorously protected against the claims of the opposing parties.
If the property is not conveniently divisible, you have the right to request its assignment in its entirety, provided you pay the other heirs their shares through monetary compensation. If multiple heirs request assignment, the judge tends to favor the one holding the largest share or the one who already lived in the property, but each case must be evaluated individually.
A property is not conveniently divisible when its physical division would create non-autonomous housing units, functionally limited units, or units with an overall economic value lower than that of the undivided property. Excessive costs for division works are also a determining factor for this classification.
In case of disagreement among the heirs, the value is determined through a technical expert opinion (CTU) ordered by the court. The expert appointed by the judge will assess the property based on current market prices in Milan and its condition, thus establishing the exact amount that the assignee will have to pay to the other co-heirs.
No co-heir can be forced to remain in co-ownership of an inheritance against their will. However, the judge may grant temporary delays in specific cases, for example, if immediate sale could cause serious prejudice to the inherited estate, but these are exceptional and temporary situations.
Disputes related to the division of inherited properties require technical expertise and negotiation skills to avoid economic losses. If you are involved in a complex inheritance in Milan, contact Avv. Marco Bianucci to analyze your specific situation. During the initial consultation, the available documentation will be examined, and the most appropriate strategy will be outlined to protect your interests and enhance the value of your inheritance share.