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Florence Probate Court
Tribunale delle Successioni e della Famiglia · Sede di Firenze
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Procedure · procedures

How matters move through the court

A brief, plain-language guide to each kind of proceeding.

Successione · Successioni

  1. 01A petition (ricorso) is filed by an heir, a creditor of the estate, or the public prosecutor where the deceased's interests require protection.
  2. 02The court issues a summons to all known interested parties and orders an inventory (inventario) of the estate.
  3. 03Hearings (udienze) follow: parties present claims; witnesses and experts may be heard.
  4. 04The court rules on the order of succession and the division of the estate. Costs typically fall to the estate itself.

Matrimonio · Matrimoni

  1. 01A spouse, a public prosecutor, or another party with standing files a petition seeking validation, recognition, or annulment.
  2. 02The court verifies the documentary evidence: marriage certificate, civil status records, and any prior judgments abroad.
  3. 03Where the matter is contested, hearings are scheduled and witnesses may testify on the validity of consent or the absence of impediments.
  4. 04The court issues a decree confirming, recognising, or annulling the marriage, transmitted to the civil registry for inscription.

Adozione · Adozioni

  1. 01Prospective adoptive parents file a petition along with social-services reports on suitability.
  2. 02The court hears the petitioners, the child where age permits, and any persons whose consent is required.
  3. 03If the petition concerns a minor in care, the court coordinates with the relevant social workers and the public prosecutor's office.
  4. 04An order of adoption is issued where the court is satisfied the adoption serves the child's interest. The order is transmitted to the civil registry.

Tutela · Tutele

  1. 01A relative, the public prosecutor, or any interested person petitions for a guardian to be appointed for a minor or an incapacitated adult.
  2. 02The court summons the proposed guardian, the ward where appropriate, and close relatives to be heard.
  3. 03Where appointment is granted, the guardian undertakes their charge before the court and submits to ongoing oversight.
  4. 04Annual accounts are filed; the court may discharge or replace the guardian for cause.

Testamento · Testamenti

  1. 01A petition contests or seeks to confirm the validity of a will.
  2. 02The court orders the production of the original instrument, examines it for formal regularity, and may hear the witnesses to the will's execution.
  3. 03Where capacity, undue influence, or forgery is alleged, expert evidence may be ordered.
  4. 04The court rules on the will's validity in whole or in part. The successione proceeding may then proceed on the determined basis.