With so many different life situations, how can you best prepare to pass on your wealth? What are the key points to bear in mind?
Planning ahead is critical
The unprecedented health crisis we are experiencing has led many people to think about passing on their wealth and consider the impact of their personal situation on the division of their estate within a couple or between generations. So how can you best prepare?
Importance of the matrimonial regime
First and foremost, you should choose your marriage contract carefully. This document regulates the inheritance relations between the future spouses and will have an influence on the distribution of the estate between the heirs. It is possible to make a will to bequeath more than the legally reserved portion to the surviving spouse. However, the additional amount you bequeath cannot deprive the children from receiving the minimum share of the inheritance to which they are entitled.
Since each life situation is different, it is advisable to get expert advice to ensure that your wealth is passed on successfully.Viviane Feiereisen, Senior Private Banker
Since each life situation is different, it is advisable to get expert advice to ensure that your wealth is passed on successfully.Sandra Giunta, Joint Head of the Brussels Private Banking Centre
Who inherits?
Assets are attributed to the closest relative or to the person designated by the deceased to succeed him or her, if that person accepts the succession.Knowing that every personal situation is different, it is important to take certain elements into consideration: family situation, age of the donor and beneficiary, composition of the property, location of the property and the heirs’ country of residence.
How can you pass on your wealth?
"Our clients sometimes realise too late the impact of their family situation on their own financial situation," explains Viviane Feiereisen, Private Banking Adviser. Given the wide range of different life situations, it is advisable to get expert advice to ensure that your wealth is passed on successfully. “We support our clients in arranging the transfer of their assets and assist them in preparing the legal documents. We also put them in touch with specialists – notaries, lawyers, accountants and tax advisers – while keeping abreast of their concerns and plans.”
Estate planning – have you started yet?
To help you find the answers to all your questions, we will help you to:
- Draw up a summary of your personal, family and financial situation;
- Draft an estate planning schedule;
- Ascertain what succession arrangements you can make according to your personal situation;
- Anticipate the impact of your matrimonial regime on the division of your estate;
- Determine the impact on your children.
Let's discuss how I can help you
Let's discuss how I can help you
