Yes, disinheriting a child in Chile is legally permissible under strict conditions outlined in the Civil Code, provided valid grounds exist and procedural formalities are observed. The 2026 amendments to Law No. 19.947 reinforce judicial oversight to prevent arbitrary exclusions, requiring notarial validation and potential court review for contested cases.
Key Regulations for Disinheriting a Child in Chile
- Valid Grounds Only: Article 1266 of the Civil Code permits disinheritance exclusively for specific causes, such as parental abandonment, severe abuse, or criminal acts against the testator or their spouse. Vague or retaliatory motives are insufficient.
- Notarial and Judicial Scrutiny: Disinheritance must be formalized in a public deed and registered with the Civil Registry. If challenged, the Supreme Court’s 2025 jurisprudence mandates evidentiary hearings to assess proportionality and intent.
- Legitime Protection: Even when valid, disinherited children retain the right to challenge the act via acción de inoficiosidad (unfair exclusion claim) within four years of the testator’s death, invoking Article 1270’s safeguards against excessive deprivation.
Chile’s legal framework balances testamentary freedom with familial obligations, ensuring disinheritance functions as a last resort rather than a punitive tool. The Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación monitors compliance, while the Corte Suprema has tightened standards to curb frivolous exclusions post-2026 reforms.