The article highlights the importance of wills in Brazil, particularly in light of a high-profile legal case involving Suzane von Richthofen, who is managing a significant inheritance without a will from her deceased uncle. Legal experts predict a surge in will-making in the coming years due to discussions surrounding the new Civil Code, which is expected to change dynamics in succession planning. The case of Richthofen, who has been named the executor of a R$ 5 million estate, reiterates the significance of having a will to prevent potential disputes among heirs.

In the recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of wills registered in Rio de Janeiro, with over 23,000 recorded in the past five years, according to the Notarial College of Brazil. This increase is viewed positively by notaries, as the subject of death and inheritance planning is often considered taboo in Brazilian culture. Edyanne Moura da Frota Cordeiro, president of the Notarial College of Rio de Janeiro, emphasized that while people are generally comfortable discussing life events like births, they tend to avoid conversations about death and succession planning.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these discussions, as it prompted many to reconsider the importance of having legal documents in place that outline their final wishes. The article ultimately calls for a cultural shift toward more open discussions about death and the necessity of wills to provide clarity and prevent familial conflicts over inheritance, illustrating that proactive planning can lead to smoother transitions of wealth and minimize disputes among relatives.