International Estate and Succession Planning

Succession planning organizes, during one's lifetime, the transfer of assets, rights and responsibilities to one's heirs. When assets, family members or residence involve more than one country, planning takes on an international dimension and requires attention to several legal systems at once.

This is increasingly common: Brazilians living abroad who own property in Brazil, foreign nationals with assets and family in Brazil, families whose children hold different nationalities, and business owners with investments, accounts or companies outside Brazil.

Why International Planning Is Different

Without prior planning, a single estate may require proceedings in several countries, each with its own rules, deadlines, costs and taxes. Sound planning reduces disputes among heirs, avoids unnecessary costs and makes succession more predictable.

Planning Tools

The strategy is defined according to the composition of the estate, the location of the assets and the family's circumstances:

- Wills, including in more than one country, drafted in a coordinated way so they do not conflict;

- Lifetime gifts, with analysis of their tax effects in Brazil and abroad;

- Family holding companies and corporate structures, in Brazil or abroad, to organize the management and transfer of assets;

- Life insurance and private pension plans, as a source of liquidity for heirs;

- Trusts and other foreign structures, in compliance with Brazilian reporting and tax rules.

Each tool has its own legal and tax implications. That is why we work closely with accountants and, when necessary, with lawyers in the other countries involved.

When Planning Is Recommended

- Assets in more than one country;

- Heirs living abroad;

- Marriage or partnership with a foreign nationaDual nationality within the family;

- Interests in foreign companies.

Ongoing Estates and Successions

- Probate proceedings in Brazil involving heirs or assets abroad;

- Recognition of foreign decisions on succession and division of assets, where applicable;

- Enforcement of wills executed outside Brazil;

Why Choose Us

We combine experience in family law, succession, corporate law and private international law to offer an integrated view of each family and its assets. Every plan is tailor-made, with confidentiality and clear communication.

With offices in Brasília, Recife and São Luís, we serve clients in person and online, throughout Brazil and abroad.

Do you have assets, heirs or businesses in more than one country? Schedule a confidential meeting with our team.