On June 16, the Faculty of Law – Porto School of the Portuguese Catholic University hosted a colloquium dedicated to the topic of undivided estates and the challenges posed by Bill No. 69/XVII/1st, presented by the Government and recently approved in principle. Under the scientific coordination of Prof. Rita Lobo Xavier, Ph.D., the event brought together approximately 100 participants, including academics, judges, lawyers, students, and other professionals.

The opening session featured a panel discussion dedicated to the issue of streamlining the division of undivided estates as a response to the housing crisis and the need for better land-use planning. Moderated by Prof. Marta Portocarrero, Ph.D., the debate brought together Judge João Cura Mariano, President of the Supreme Court of Justice; Prof. João Valle e Azevedo, Ph.D., Secretary of State for the Presidency; and Dr. João Massano, President of the Bar Association.

Next, the participants analyzed the substantive and procedural aspects of the legislative proposal, with a special focus on the special procedure for the sale of real estate included in undivided estates and on the mechanisms for the arbitration of inheritance disputes. The panel, moderated by Prof. Ana Afonso, Ph.D., featured presentations by attorneys Pedro Pinheiro Torres, Esq., and Joaquim Taveira da Fonseca, Esq., as well as Prof. Rita Lobo Xavier, Ph.D.

The final session of the meeting focused on the protection of heirs’ rights, autonomy in matters of succession, and the potential systemic impacts of the proposed law. Moderated by Prof. Rita Lobo Xavier, Ph.D., the session featured Prof. João Paulo Remédio Marques, Ph.D., Prof. Rute Teixeira Pedro, Ph.D., and attorney Paulo da Rocha Pichel, Ph.D.

Throughout the afternoon, the various speakers discussed the opportunities and challenges arising from the legislative changes under discussion, contributing to a multidisciplinary analysis of an issue of great legal, economic, and social significance.