Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm

Lawyers in the Philippines

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Why choose us?

A document icon with a house. As an Extxrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, FCB Law will need to assess your documents to see if you have the correct requirements for an Extrajudicial Settlement case.
As an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, we can quickly assess the situation so that you can understand if you are eligible for Extrajudicial Settlement.
An icon of a recipet as Extrajudicial Settlements will have Estate Taxes applied on it as well as other Land Transfer Taxes.
We’ll explain the potential taxes of waivers or possible other settlements of the estate in an easy-to-understand manner so that you can be aware of the tax implications.
A icon of a wallet with money. As an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, our experience enables us to give fair pricing for Succession law cases which are based on the work required and the information you have.
We’ll always price fairly given the correct volume of work and in consideration of the scope required. We have the same fact-based pricing for everyone.
An open hand and heart icon. As an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, we value our clients and always work in their best interests.
We’ll always work on the case with diligence regardless of whether or not you check because we want the case to succeed.

Why do you need an Extrajudicial Settlement?

An Extrajudicial Settlement is the fastest, cheapest way to transfer an estate to heirs in the Philippines and should be done as soon as possible to avoid late fees. Without settling the estate, you will not be able to transfer to the heirs.

A photo of happy heirs as Extrajudicial Settlements allow for name of the heirs to be placed on the title after the BIR and Registry of Deeds process is complete.

Transfer to the Heirs

You can only transfer an estate to the names of the heirs if you settle an estate and pay the BIR estate taxes and other transfer taxes. Without this, you will not be able to title the property in the heirs’ names.
Magnifying glass lying on top of Philippine pesos showing that the BIR will assess late fees on an Extrajudicial Settlement that is submitted more than 1 year after the deceased's death.

Avoid late fees

You should settle an estate as soon as possible because every year of delay increases the late fees that are charged to settle an estate. It may sometimes become too expensive to settle.
Extrajudicial Settlements make sure that the heir';s ownership is secure as without the transfer it is possible that the land will never be maximized as multiple owners, exorbitant late fees and time will make it impossible to accomplish.

Protect an inheritance

Settling an estate transfers the property to new heirs and so avoids other people claiming or otherwise contesting the rights of the true heirs of the property. It should be done as soon as possible.
Photo of a man holding a model house up showing that an Extrajudicial Settlment transfers property to new owners, which can then profit from it.

Sell or Profit from the Property

Serious buyers need proof an estate is settled before they buy a property, as they can only transfer to their names afterward. Mortgages and other ways to maximize the property also require Estate Settlement.

Atty Britanico
Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm

What are the requirements for an Extrajudicial Settlement?

An Extrajudicial Settlement requires agreement between the heirs and complete and accurate documentation of the ownership of the properties and the family relationships.

A happy family showing agreement between the heirs as this is required for an Extrajudicial Settlement to proceed.

Agreement between heirs

A open bookshelf of property documents. As an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, we will go through your documents such as Land Titles, Tax Declarations and other supporting documents to assess the situation.

Property Docs

Photos of documents as extrajudicial Settlements will require the family documents of the deceased to be presented

Family Docs

A wooden set of letters spelling tax as transferring property through an Extrajudicial Settlement will mean the application of BIR Estate Taxes prior to the Land Transfer.

6% BIR estate & transfer taxes

What is the Extrajudicial Settlement Process?

A magnifying glass icon over documents as FCB Law must assess the family situation and the documents to determine how feasible an Extrajudicial Settlement is.
Assessment As an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Law Firm, we can correctly determine the right way to move forward to settle the estate as well as file other cases needed, depending on the situation.
A document with a clock indicating BIR penalties on top of Estate Taxes for Extrajudicial Settlements that are filed more than one year after the death of the estate owner.
Document Gathering FCB Law Office will determine the documents that are needed and explain the best way to gather them. These are likely to be PSA and property documents at the RD.
A handshake icon as all heirs must agree as to how the property is split and must sign the Extrajudicial Settlement.
Extrajudicial Settlement We’ll draft the Extrajudicial Settlement with the documents gathered and provide instructions on how to notarize and authenticate it if the heirs are abroad.
A icon of documents since the Extrajudicial Settlement must have several documents so that it will be accepted for calculation by the BIR.
File at the BIR If the documents are complete and show no inaccuracy, FCB Law Office will file the Extrajudicial Settlement at the BIR and wait for the Estate Tax calculation.
A icon of a stack of money as BIR Estate Taxes will be calculated from the information in the Extrajudicial Settement as well as the documents that are presented.
Pay Estate Taxes The BIR will release an Estate Tax calculation which is about 6% of the value of the estate and should be paid immediately to avoid late charges.
The EJS must be filed at the Registry of Deeds so that the Title can be issued in the heirs names upon presentation of the eCAR.
File at the Registry of Deeds FCB Law Office will register the Extrajudicial Settlement at the Registry of Deeds after the estate taxes are paid so that new titles are given and the tax declarations are transferred.

Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extrajudicial settlement?
An extrajudicial settlement is a method of distributing the estate of a deceased person without going through the court process of probate or intestate proceedings. In the Philippines, this process allows the heirs to agree on the division of the estate among themselves, in accordance with the law, and execute a document called the Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate (ESE).
Can a foreigner inherit land through an Extrajudicial Settlement?
Yes, actually an Extrajudicial Settlement is the only way that land can be transferred to a foreigner. However, he will inherit along with the other compulsory heirs in the proportions stated in Philippine Intestate Law.
When is an extrajudicial settlement applicable?
An extrajudicial settlement can be used when the deceased left no will and all the heirs agree on the division of the estate and are willing to sign documents to that effect.
What are the requirements for an extrajudicial settlement?
To execute an extrajudicial settlement, the following requirements must be met:

  • All heirs must be in agreement on the division of the estate and must sign the EJS.
  • The EJS must be in writing and notarized.
  • The EJS must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province where the deceased person resided or where the property is located.
  • The EJS must be registered with the Register of Deeds where the property is located.
  • The estate tax must be paid to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and a Certificate
  • Authorizing Registration (CAR) must be obtained.
What is a bond requirement in an extrajudicial settlement?
In an extrajudicial settlement, the heirs are required to post a bond equivalent to the value of the personal property involved, as determined by the parties or appraisers. This bond serves as a guarantee to protect the interests of any unknown heirs, creditors, or other interested parties who may come forward within two years after the settlement.
Can an extrajudicial settlement be contested?
Yes, an extrajudicial settlement can be contested. If there are parties who believe they have a
rightful claim to the estate or that the EJS is not in accordance with the law, they may file a petition in court within two years from the date of the last publication of the ESE.
What if there are minors or incapacitated heirs?
If there are minor or incapacitated heirs, an extrajudicial settlement may still be executed. However, a legal guardian must be appointed to represent the interests of the minor or incapacitated heir during the settlement process.
What are the Estate Taxes for an Extrajudicial Settlement?
The Estate Taxes are 6% of the net value of the estate but Donor’s tax may also be added depending on the situation.
What are the other Transfer Taxes for an Extrajudicial Settlement?
Aside from Estate Taxes, there are other transfer taxes at the Registry of Deeds and City Hall prior to the release of the Title and the new Tax Declaration.

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