Next week, I shall accompany the setting up of a will (or testament). The client bought a house in Madeira. As the property is located in Portugal, she needs to settle the inheritance under Portuguese law (assets in other countries need not be included). The testament is done in Portuguese by a notary so she needs translation. We also require two witnesses who can, if necessary, vouch for the fact that the will expressed her wishes at this time.
This is a simple procedure but when it comes to testaments including children, the matter can become much more complicated as Portuguese inheritance law differs from that of Germany or Britain. The surviving partner, maybe an unloved step-mom or just co-habiting, has a right to stay in the family home for five years before the children can kick him/her out.