Are You Losing Your Brazilian Inheritance Right?

The law is not what you think. Find out who inherits first.

Brazil’s succession is mandatory. It ignores your will if you have necessary heirs—children, parents, or a spouse. The legal order of classes overrides personal wishes. Foreign heirs are not excluded, but you must kno...

✘ Mito

Myth: I can leave my estate to anyone I choose.

✓ Verdade

Truth: Only 50% is free if you have a spouse, child, or parent—the rest follows the mandatory heir order.

The ‘legítima’—the forced share—is 50% of the estate. Necessary heirs (descendants, ascendants, spouse) must receive this portion. A will can only distribute the other half. This is a core difference from common law c...

Your nationality does not place you lower on this ladder. You inherit exactly as a Brazilian would, provided you are in the applicable class.

Children & spouse come first

Parents & spouse are second

Spouse inherits all when no children or parents

Dica

Prove your relationship with official documents, translated and apostilled. Without this, your right is invisible to Brazilian notary offices and courts.

Do I need a Brazilian lawyer to claim my inheritance?

Absolutely. Cross-border succession involves local courts and tax compliance. An expert avoids procedural traps that can block your claim.

Don’t let distance or bureaucracy cheat you out of your rightful inheritance. Act with confidence.

Speak to an Expert Now