The number of wills in Brazil increased by 20.8% between 2020 and 2025, highlighting greater awareness about the importance of estate planning. Through a will, a person may allocate up to 50% of their assets, while the other half must mandatorily be reserved for compulsory heirs, such as children, spouse, or parents. In the absence of a will, the inheritance follows the rules of legitimate succession under the Civil Code, respecting a specific order of heirs. In addition, a will can be created in a simple and accessible manner, including online, which facilitates its formalization.
The lifetime donation of assets, such as real estate, may avoid the need for probate proceedings, but it must comply with the rule that at least 50% of the estate must be allocated to compulsory heirs. Lifetime donations may be advantageous to prevent increases in transfer taxes and to minimize judicial disputes. A will, therefore, is an important tool to organize succession according to the wishes of the deceased, ensuring greater legal certainty and helping to prevent conflicts among family members.