Mexico inherits a low and limited culture of wills

Although September is recognized as the month of the will , the reality is that the culture of foresight in this regard remains limited in Mexico, since in the nation's capital, only 23% of the population has taken advantage of this instrument, Felipe Carrasco Zanini Ávila Camacho, a member of the Communications Commission of the College of Public Notaries of Mexico City, told this newspaper.

"Across the country, 8% of citizens have a will," he added.

"In 2025, the cost of the document during the Mexico City campaign was set at 3,800 pesos (including VAT), which represents a discount of nearly 50% off the regular price," Carrasco Zanini said.

"Last year, it was valued at 3,700 pesos, meaning the annual increase was just 100 pesos," in support of citizens' economies, said the head of the 185th Public Notary Office in the capital.

In other states, the amounts vary; in the State of Mexico alone, for example, the price is 2,000 pesos, with an additional 50% discount for seniors.

According to figures from the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), between January and August, on average, between 10,000 and 15,000 wills are signed each month outside of campaign periods. However, in September—a month when discounts are offered, and sometimes the promotion extends into October—the flow of applications increases significantly.

The Notary Association reports that since 2021, the monthly average in the capital has been 3,300 signed documents, which has accumulated to 158,809 between 2021 and 2024. However, experts on the subject emphasize that this figure is small compared to a population of more than 9 million inhabitants.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the economic impact of not having a will is much greater, since according to estimates by the College of Notaries and INEGI, intestate proceedings cost Mexico between 37 and 76 billion pesos each year, due to the fact that they become protracted litigation , there is a freezing of assets and loss of productivity.

It was even highlighted that the lack of knowledge about what to inherit hinders the formalization of the process , and when the time comes, those who were in a position to leave a legacy leave behind a family problem in which the dispute may be even greater, primarily over assets.

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Salvador Rotter Aubanel , a member of the Mexican College of Public Accountants , added that "a will can also include company shares, valuables, rights, and even the designation of legal guardians for minor children."

"This last point is key to financial and family stability , reducing the likelihood of subsequent legal disputes," he asserted.

Rotter Aubanel emphasized that "the Civil Code allows for will-making from the age of 16. In tax matters, inheritances (all my assets for specific people) and legacies (a specific asset for a specific person) are exempt from Income Tax (ISR), although they must be reported on the annual tax return if they exceed 500,000 pesos. Inheritances do not become exempt income for the person who receives them."

The will campaign is now spanning two months of high notarial activity, aiming to reach more people, but the backlog continues, he indicated. "When a person dies, the Notary Association is responsible for checking the last will and testament in the National Registry ; if there are other versions, they are invalidated.

Prevention. Only 23% of residents of the capital have a notarized inheritance document for material assets , so they're urging the public to take advantage of discounts on the process in September.

"Last year, the fee for the process was 100 pesos lower than what was requested this year during the campaign month in the city," Felipe Carrasco, Notary Association of Mexico City.

"You can inherit company shares, rights, and even legal guardians for minors," Salvador Rotter, College of Accountants.

• 8% of Mexicans already have a will
• 3,800 pesos is the investment in 2025 to obtain this document in Mexico City.
• 50% is the discount on your total cost, during the campaign month

• Choose a notary office on the website of the Notary Association of Mexico City
• Make an appointment to receive information and determine if your documents are in order.
• Ask questions before writing the will, in order to avoid future problems.
• Sign the decision according to your wishes, after up to two hours of counseling
• Give subsequent notice to the General Notary Archive , which is the responsibility of your advisor
• Request a certified copy if you are a relative of the deceased, for inheritance review

• There is extra promotion in some entities
• Seniors , women in vulnerable situations, healthcare workers, and other priority groups may receive additional discounts depending on the policies of each state in Mexico.
• In our country, inheriting without a will entails probate proceedings , which are often costly, lengthy, and a source of family conflict. From a financial perspective, it entails legal costs that can affect the inherited assets.
• Ana María Reséndiz explained to this newspaper that she received an apartment in Jalisco during her lifetime. By doing so, she avoided a probate process that in that state could cost more than 80,000 pesos in processing fees. Thus, she protected the true value of her inheritance.