A succession is considered open starting at the moment of death explicitly stated on the death certificate. This date carries a specific importance since it commences joint action in the event that multiple heirs exist and lay claim to a piece of the inheritance.

When a loved one has died, the best way to get the ball rolling on the succession process is to locate the following information: The original Last Will & Testament, if one existed The name of the executor named in the testament A list of heirs An accounting of assets Debts owed by the decedent