Section 2: Proof of heirship.

Proof of heirship shall be established by any means. No derogation shall be made from the provisions or practices concerning the issue of certificates of ownership or heredity by judicial or administrative authorities.

Proof of heirship may result from a deed of notoriety drawn up by a notary at the request of one or more heirs. The deed of notoriety must refer to the death certificate of the person whose estate is being opened and mention any supporting documents that may have been produced, such as civil status certificates and, where applicable, documents concerning the existence of gifts mortis causa that may affect…

The affirmation contained in the deed of notoriety does not, of itself, imply acceptance of the succession.

The deed of notoriety thus established is authentic until proven otherwise. Whoever avails himself of it is presumed to have hereditary rights in the proportion indicated therein.

The heirs designated in the deed of notoriety or their joint proxy are deemed, with respect to third parties holding property of the estate, to have free disposal of such property and, if funds are involved, free disposal of them in the proportion indicated in the deed.

Any person who, knowingly and in bad faith, relies on an inaccurate deed of notoriety shall incur the penalties for concealment provided for in Article 778, without prejudice to damages.