Prepare for Death in Life:
The Advantages of an In-Life Division of Estate
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you're gone — it’s about making smart decisions while you’re here. Many families face unnecessary legal (and verbal) disputes simply because succession was left to them (or to the courts).
An in-life division of estate allows you to:
✅ Ensure a smooth transition of assets according to your wishes (you don’t even have to lose your legal rights to use the assets until death).
✅ Provide support to heirs at the right time, not just at the end (you can even stablish a fiduciary clause, whereby support is only provided on certain conditions).
✅ Minimize potential disputes by clarifying intentions early (your heirs will not dispute your will if you are still alive).
✅ Protect yourself from potential future inheritance taxes (none currently in Portugal, but who knows in the future?).
Planning ahead gives you control and clarity, both for yourself and for those who will inherit. It’s not about giving everything away now—it’s about structuring your estate wisely so it benefits your loved ones in the best possible way.Better yet, the tax impact of in-life division of estate is (in most cases) minimal and can even represent a tax opportunity (e.g. possible step up on tax value of shares).
A well-planned estate isn’t just a financial strategy; it’s a lasting act of care. Why wait?
