Decisions that call for a broader perspective
From family and wealth planning to cross-border coordination.
Family and succession
Family and succession matters often involve personal relationships, wealth and consequences that unfold over time. We advise both on planning ahead and on resolving situations that have already arisen.
In succession matters, we advise on developing and reviewing succession and wealth transfer strategies, preparing wills and lifetime gifts, and assessing their legal and tax implications. We also assist with estate administration and distribution, including where heirs, assets or succession arrangements are connected with more than one country.
In family law, we advise on separation and divorce, financial and family arrangements, and arrangements concerning children and parental responsibility. Wherever possible, we seek negotiated solutions that reduce conflict and preserve family relationships.
Protecting and passing on wealth
The way family wealth is structured should meet present needs while also protecting assets, preparing for succession and looking ahead to the next generation.
We review how assets are owned, financed and allocated within the family, identifying legal, tax and succession risks. We advise on wealth structuring and reorganisation, corporate holding and investment structures, and transfers of assets, seeking coherence across the family’s overall arrangements.
This work may also involve changes of tax residence, assets held abroad and structures established in other jurisdictions. Where appropriate, we coordinate with tax advisers, banks, asset managers and other specialists.
Investing and settling in Portugal
A decision to invest in or move to Portugal should be considered in a wider legal, tax, wealth and succession context, rather than as an isolated property purchase or residence application.
In property transactions, we advise throughout the process, from legal due diligence and contract negotiation through to completion, coordinating where necessary with banks, real estate agents, notaries and other parties. We also consider the acquisition and holding structure and the related tax and succession implications.
We assist with residence permits and citizenship applications, as well as the legal and tax implications for individuals and families moving their residence, investments or part of their wealth to Portugal. We seek to ensure that these decisions are consistent with one another and with the family’s long-term plans.
Cross-border coordination
Cross-border matters require more than an analysis of Portuguese law in isolation. It is essential to understand how each decision interacts with the other jurisdictions involved.
Leal Figueiredo & Associados advises on the Portuguese legal and tax implications and coordinates with lawyers, tax advisers and other professionals in the relevant jurisdictions. This may involve succession matters, changes of residence, wealth structuring and reorganisation, investments, financial and real estate assets, and relationships with banks and family offices.
We have particular experience coordinating matters involving families with connections to Brazil, France and French-speaking Switzerland, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States. Our role is to help ensure that the different strands of advice are aligned and that the family retains a clear overview.
When a family’s needs extend beyond legal and tax advice, Leal Figueiredo & Associados may work alongside Legado Familiar - Private & Family Office, bringing together other personal, wealth and practical aspects within a broader, coordinated response.