Beatriz Sarlo case: after two conciliations, the judge will decide between the three heirs

It won't be long before Judge Fernando Cesari , presiding judge of the 60th National Civil Court in charge of Beatriz Sarlo 's estate , decides on the status of the three potential heirs, as well as what will happen to the copyright to her work and the fate of the apartment at 140 Hidalgo Street in Caballito. The candidates are her ex-husband, Alberto Sato , with whom she had no children; Melanio Alberto Meza Lopez, the manager of the building where the essayist lived until her final days; and Sarlo's first cousin, Ernestina Susana del Río , who lives in Patagonia.

This does not mean that the probate dispute has been resolved, as depending on the judge's decision, the losing candidates may appeal the ruling to the second instance court and even go to the final review court.

The latest information Clarín has learned from reliable judicial sources is that a conciliation hearing was held, to which the potential successors and their lawyers were summoned, which ended in nothing . The content of the hearing is unknown, given that there is a judicial lock that prevents the case from being formally heard.

That is, it is only accessible to the parties, but not to people without a direct interest in the succession.

The lawyers remain silent and did not respond to our inquiries. However, we learned that there will be another court hearing next week, to which all potential heirs have been summoned . What we were unable to find out is the purpose of the presiding judge for convening the two hearings.

The courts are likely trying to find some common ground between Meza López, Sato, and Del Río. As we've already pointed out , the alleged will in the doorman's hands doesn't meet the requirements of a holographic will, either in form or substance, but it remains a mandate from the deceased Sarlo.

Justice always gives priority to the will of the testator, and when this has not been expressed, to blood ties.

In Sarlo's case, this intention is ambiguous (she left the doorman in charge of the apartment and her cat, Nini), which could mean several things provided for in current legislation.

The judge will then have to determine whether the essayist's manuscripts can be considered a holographic will or not . In that case, the other two candidates may appeal the court's decision.

The case file reveals no new developments except for the announcement of a new hearing , which, despite the leaks of the expert report, was not challenged.

In any case, the fact that the manuscripts correspond to Sarlo's handwriting and signature does not indicate whether or not Meza López, the person in charge, has hereditary status . His status can only be determined by the judge in charge.