A Guide to the Deed of Adjudication in the Philippines

Managing the inheritance of a family member in the Philippines can be a daunting task. However, the law provides streamlined ways to transfer titles without going to court, provided there is no will and no outstanding debts. This article explores the importance of the deed of adjudication, the deed of sole adjudication, and the affidavit of heirs philippines.
Defining the Deed of Adjudication

The deed of adjudication is a legal document where the heirs of a deceased person partition the properties left behind. Under Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, heirs can settle an estate privately if the decedent left no will and no debts.

When there are multiple heirs, they must all agree on how the assets—such as land, bank accounts, or vehicles—will be partitioned. This document is required for the Register of Deeds to cancel the old title and issue a new one in the names of the heirs.
The Difference: Deed of Sole Adjudication

In cases where the deceased is survived by just one legal heir, a deed of sole adjudication is used instead of a collective settlement.

Ease of Process: Since there are no other heirs to negotiate with, the process is more straightforward.

Legal Requirement: The sole heir executes an sworn statement stating that they are the only surviving successor and adjudicates the entire estate to themselves.

Regardless of whether you use a deed of sole adjudication or a multi-heir deed, the document must be notarized and published in a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks to notify any potential deed of sole adjudicatino creditors.

Proving Succession: The Affidavit of Heirs Philippines

Before the transfer can proceed, the parties must prove their relationship to the deceased. This is where an affidavit of heirs deed of sole adjudicatino philippines becomes necessary.

The affidavit serves as a formal declaration identifying all the legal heirs, such as the surviving deed of sole adjudicatino spouse, legitimate children, or parents. Commonly, it features:

The timing and location of the decedent's death.

A statement affidavit of heirs philippines that the deceased died intestate (without a will).

A enumeration of the names and relationships of all surviving heirs.

Step-by-Step Process

To properly use these documents, heirs must follow these steps:

Preparation: Draft the deed of adjudication or deed of sole adjudication and the affidavit of heirs philippines.

Legalization: Have the documents signed and notarized.

Tax Compliance: File the Estate Tax Return with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Keep in mind you must obtain a Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR).

Publication: Publish the notice of settlement in a local newspaper.

Transfer of Title: Submit the CAR, the deed, and the proof of publication to the Register of Deeds to update the title.

Summary

Handling the deed of adjudication and ensuring you have a correct affidavit of heirs philippines is vital for protecting your inheritance. By choosing these extrajudicial methods, Filipino families can bypass the high costs and long wait times associated with court-litigated settlements. Consulting with a legal deed of adjudication professional is always suggested to ensure all requirements are met correctly.