Law
If you continued using a deceased relative's property without formally contacting a notary, this is known as constructive (de facto) acceptance of inheritance. Here I explain what this means legally, what evidence you need, and how to formalise your rights through a notary's office.
Constructive acceptance of inheritance — sometimes called de facto acceptance — occurs when an heir does not file a formal acceptance application with a notary within the prescribed period, yet demonstrates through concrete actions that they are treating the property as their own: paying utility bills, carrying out repairs, continuing to live in the apartment, or working the land. Under Uzbek law, as under most civil-law systems, such conduct is legally equivalent to a formal acceptance of the estate. However, without notarial confirmation you will not receive a Certificate of Inheritance Rights and will be unable to legally dispose of the property.
In my practice I regularly meet clients who have lived in a deceased parent's home for years and genuinely consider themselves the owners — until the moment they wish to sell, gift, or mortgage the property. That is when it becomes clear that the legal title was never formalised.
Key points:
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
When an estate passes to multiple heirs, it initially becomes co-owned property. To give each heir specific assets rather than an abstract share, the heirs enter into a partition agreement. Here I explain how this works in practice under Uzbek law and what role the notary plays.
Uzbek inheritance law, in line with the approach of most civil-law jurisdictions, recognises constructive acceptance of an estate where the heir has performed at least one of the following acts:
| Action | What It Demonstrates | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taking possession / residing in the apartment or house | Intention to accept the inheritance | Registration documents or witness statements required |
| Paying utility bills, taxes, or debts of the deceased | Assumption of the deceased's obligations | Keep all receipts and payment confirmations |
| Carrying out repairs, safeguarding the property | Care for the preservation of the estate | Contractor agreements, receipts for building materials |
| Harvesting crops, cultivating land | Use of inherited property | Neighbour statements, photographic evidence |
The procedure involves several stages.
1. Approach the notary at the place where the estate was opened (generally the last place of residence of the deceased). The notary will open an inheritance file if one has not already been opened, and will assess the evidence you present.
2. Compile your evidence file. The notary is entitled to examine the available documents and, provided the evidence is sufficient and undisputed, issue a Certificate of Inheritance Rights without the need for court proceedings.
3. If the notary declines — because the evidence is insufficient or there is a dispute among heirs — you will need to apply to a court for a ruling establishing the fact of acceptance. Once the court decision enters into force, the notary will issue the certificate on that basis.
I always recommend preparing as complete a document package as possible in advance: this significantly accelerates the procedure and reduces the risk of a refusal.
Can constructive acceptance be confirmed if many years have passed?
Yes, but the longer the delay, the harder it becomes to gather evidence. In most such cases, court proceedings will be required. It is best not to postpone.
Are state duties payable?
Yes, notarial acts are subject to state duty and notarial tariffs. Verify the current amounts with the notary at the time of your application, as rates are periodically revised.
What if other heirs object?
Where a dispute exists, the notary is not entitled to issue a certificate through the non-contentious procedure. The matter must be resolved through court proceedings.
Can property accepted constructively be sold without notarial formalisation?
No. Until a Certificate of Inheritance Rights has been obtained and title registered, no transactions involving the property are possible.
Does constructive acceptance extend to the deceased's debts?
Yes. By accepting an inheritance — including through constructive acceptance — an heir also assumes the deceased's debts, up to the value of the property received.
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> Important: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual notarial or legal advice. Every situation is unique, and the appropriate course of action is determined only after reviewing the specific documents and circumstances of the case.
If you have been using inherited property in practice but have not yet formalised your rights, do not put it off. Contact our notary office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent: we will review your situation, help identify the documents you need, and carry out all necessary notarial acts in accordance with the established procedure.