Hello

I am new to this forum. I am British but at the moment I live in Switzerland (married a Swiss guy). We are hoping to move to sunnier climes.

Does anyone know the exact percentages given to next of kin in the case of a spouses death. I know that most European civil law countries have compulsory heirship issues mainly in favour of the children. My husband or myself would like the surviving spouse to inherit all, like in England. He has two grown up sons from first marriage that would complicate this.

At the moment this a general enquiry I know legal advice must be take once we decide where to move. But knowing each countries rules would be a great assistance.

Thank you for any advice.

For inheritance tax it depends on your residency status, spanish - non spanish for spain, I recommend a good international lawyer eg. Dr Crespo & Partners - International Lawyers, SRL, good and cheap, who can talk you through this it is a complex area and you need to speak to appropriate legal council.

Portugal, speak to a portuguese lawyer, go to Chambers and Partners : Home and choose a lawyer from there.

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Thank you for the web site info.

Our pleasure.

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Once married any land purchased in Portugal belongs 50% to each, whether in the husband or wife's name, when either one dies 2/3 go to the surviving partner and 1/3 goes to the children. In Portugal this is the law which was to protect the children's right to inherite.

Diane aka Mamacats
Ragdoll Breeder
Portugal