Greetings,
I'm new to this forum. I would to ask how does inheritance property laws work in Cape Verde ? My mother who is deceased passed on her property in Cape Verde to me her child and I haven't until last year I went to CV but it was in terrible condition a squatter drunkard was living in the house supposedly for 20 years now this squatter is trying to register the property in her name , she apparently advertised an announcement in the paper?? what are my legal rights under Cape Verde law? any info is greatly appreciated. I'm seeking a lawyer but it seems you can trust no one everyone is eyeing someone else's stuff don't want to loose my beloved mother's legacy it was her dying wish to keep it in the family. In despair for help. Thank you
-@rochelleshokoti
Hi Rochelle,
Unfortunately, you are out of luck. If the person has been living on the property for 20 years, the property is considered abandoned and the law gives that person the right to acquire the property and register the property in their own name.
The law is called, the law of "usucapião". You can try to fight it in court, but the law isn't on your side on this one, unless this person made a mistake in the execution of the acquisition of the abandoned property.
If you send me a private message, I will put you in touch with a local Cape Verdean lawyer (who was educated, lived and worked in the US for many years) who specializes in property law.
Best regards,
Angelo
