Colombian Probate Questions

[TheCurious]

My wife's father, in Colombia, recently passed away. So far, no will has been found. The family is already clamoring for their share of the sizable assets (cash, properties, etc.)

My question is, what's the current probate laws in Colombia in regards to this? Are the assets seized and sent to probate court? Are they available only to immediate family members or extended family as well?

Basically, the family still in Colombia is trying to get everyone together to divvy things up. However, knowing them like we do, it's likely there will be drama and due to the lack of knowledge and understanding of the situation/law, we feel there may be a fair bit of railroading going on. I, personally, have never been to Colombia, but when I asked why a lawyer was not being brought in; I was told that, in general, lawyers (like many other law enforcement in Colombia) are not to be trusted.

I find this hard to believe.

Does anyone have any experience or insight they could shed on this? I really don't know where to start.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

This is an old thread although I found it. I don't know Colombia probate law but I hope things worked out for you. In general, Colombia has its share of both a bad reputation and also nepotism. I love the country but, especially if you are a foreigner, understand that things are not like they are in the United States. In fact, in some smaller places in the US, you'll find that the courts may also put through some very unpleasant results in favor of the hometown team. I hope this worked out for you and I'm sorry that I didn't post a reply earlier.