Many people view the process of receiving an inheritance as a simple transaction that can be increase wealth and wealthalthough always subject to the payment of taxes. However, for many others, it means receiving the last assets that still connect them to their recently deceased loved one. Especially, when you inherit the family home in which so many memories have been created.
This legal procedure carries a very great sentimental burden and, for those who were closest to the deceased, it can be a quite difficult process. Therefore, when some forced heirs receive the property in which their father, mother or relative used to reside, They decide to keep it simply out of nostalgia or attachment to their memoryeven when it will remain empty for years.
According to the lawyer specialized in families and inheritances, Laura Finger Wolfthis situation, although it may seem illogical to some, is quite common among its clients. Causing conflicts between siblings or relatives who have also received a percentage of the property. However, the explanation is quite simple.
Keeping an empty house entails a series of expenses
“Many times, maintaining what was the family home, you want to maintain a symbolic fiction that you can return to a previous lifethat this still exists,” he assures. We must not forget that, in most casesthe acceptance of an inheritance coincides with the mourning process for a loved one who has recently passed away; Therefore, this type of behavior is a quite human reaction.
The problem comes when several years have passed since the signing and, even so, you do not want to sell the family home even though it has remained empty all this time. A decision that, although it may respond to the denial of the departure of parents or relatives by one of the heirs, can lead to generate unrest among other successors that they do want to put the property up for sale.
“It becomes a decision that is legally and economically illogical, because It means bearing burdens and expenses without reporting any benefit.“explains the lawyer. This is because, even if the home is empty, it will be necessary to continue facing some costs such as the community of neighbors, extraordinary expenses, supplies, home insurance, Real Estate Tax (IBI) or, simply, the maintenance necessary to preserve it in correct conditions.
As Laura Lobo alleges, “there are issues that, legally, do not make sense or economically either, but which, nevertheless, They have an emotional aspect that is very important to deal with“Therefore, to prevent family conflicts from getting worse or, in the event that there are no more heirs, from continuing to face the losses generated by keeping an empty house, the most advisable thing would be Go to a psychologist to start working through grief.
How to empty a property without the emotional burden overwhelming the heir
If you have no problems with selling the property, but do not want to face the memories that will inevitably come when you enter the house To collect personal property that you want to keep, the essential thing will be to take into account a series of tips. First of all, it is best to face this process calmly, going through all the rooms and taking advantage of this tour to select what the heirs will keep.
Once this process is completed, you can begin photograph and classify everything of value that you want to sellas well as anything that is going to be used for donations or that is going to be thrown away. Inventory completed, emptying the house It can be done on your own, between successors and family members, or contacting companies dedicated to this type of serviceswho will be in charge of both the packaging and the cleaning and recycling of the objects.
When it goes on sale, It will be important to have correctly assessed the value of the propertyOtherwise, this may end up affecting the profits that will be obtained from the property. Therefore, to solve possible blockages, family conflicts or future tax problems, it is best to Go to a lawyer and notary specialized in economics and inheritanceswho will advise the heirs to carry out this process in the simplest and most beneficial way for everyone.