A Inheritance of property without a will follows specific rules of Civil Code In Portuguese, when a person dies without leaving a valid will, the legal succession applies, which distributes the estate according to the legal order of heirs. This article explains how this process works, what the priorities for allocation are, the role of the head of the estate, and how to ensure that the division takes place with legal certainty.
What does it mean to divide assets without a will?
When there is no will, the deceased's assets are distributed through intestate succession, beginning with the deceased. forced heirs. This means that the law establishes who receives the inheritance and in what proportion, always respecting the minimum rights of certain heirs, such as spouses and descendants.
Order of heirs in the division of assets without a will.
The order of inheritance is as follows:
-
Descendants (children, grandchildren) and surviving spouse.
-
Ascendants (parents, grandparents) and surviving spouse, if there are no descendants.
-
Brothers and nephews.
-
Other collateral relatives up to the 4th degree.
-
State, in the total absence of family members.
For more details on this hierarchy, see Who is entitled to inherit.
Documents needed for sharing
Even without a will, it is mandatory to start the process. Grant of probate and to prepare the List of assets. These documents identify who the heirs are and list all the assets and debts of the deceased.
Procedure for dividing assets without a will.
If everyone agrees, a Friendly sharing by public deed. If there are discrepancies, it will be necessary to resort to... Inventory process, in which a notary or court will decide the division.
The role of the head of the household
O Widow's house is responsible for managing the assets until the division is finalized, presenting the inventory of assets, and ensuring compliance with tax obligations, such as filing the tax return. Inheritance tax.
Possible conflicts
Even without a will, disputes can arise regarding the valuation or omission of assets. In such cases, a Inheritance and Estate Lawyer can help prevent or resolve challenges to the division, thus avoiding protracted litigation.
Conclusion
A Inheritance of property without a will It follows a strict legal order and requires attention to documentary and tax formalities. Specialized legal counsel ensures that the rights of all heirs are respected and that the process is swift and fair, avoiding blockages in the transfer of assets.
note: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, we accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, or legal changes that may occur after publication. If you are facing a specific situation or have queries regarding any matter discussed, we strongly advise consulting a solicitor for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Get in touch today. Book your appointment now.






