When the time comes to think about the future and how to distribute what one has achieved throughout life, many families They face an important dilemma: Is it better to wait for the inheritance to come or do a donation in life? Although at first glance it may seem like a matter of paperwork or taxesthe truth is that behind there are a number of emotional, legal and economic decisions that can forever mark the relationship between parents and children. Therefore, nothing like Follow the advice of an expert and the warning made about inheritances and donations.
More and more parents are concerned about the well -being of their children, decide to anticipate the distribution of their assets. Some do it to help at a complicated moment, others because they fear that inheritance cause family conflicts in the future. There are also those who do it convinced that their children can enjoy help when they really need it, and not when they are no longer to see it. Whatever the reason, the debate is more alive than ever. Economist Gonzalo Bernardos, Professor at the University of Barcelona and a habitual face in media such as La Sexta, he wanted to pronounce on the matter. And he has done it with a clear warning: It should be thought twice before making a donation in life. According to him, not everything is advantages, and the consequences of such a decision can be much deeper than it seems to the naked eye.
The warning of an expert about inheritances and donations
Gonzalo Bernardos has stressed that, although the inheritances and donations They may seem noble gestures, they do not always bring the expected effects. The economist points to something that many people do not consider when they think of donating part of their heritage in life: the change in attitude of the beneficiaries. As he explains, Until the donation is performed, everything may seem “fantastic,” but Then, family dynamics can be completely transformed. That is, what begins as an act of generosity can end up deteriorating personal relationships.
On many occasions, parents decide to donate or provide money in the event that children need it immediately, or they may also want to give them their money, to avoid future problems. But Bernardos warns that you have to be prudent: When one delivers an important part of its assets ahead of time, it also loses some decision and control capacity. That symbolic loss of authority or influence can alter family balance and generate difficult tensions to reverse. In short, what seems like a help can become the beginning of a major problem.
Why is it not a good idea to donate everything in life?
The warning of Bernardos It focuses especially on the decision to donate all the heritage or a very significant part of it. According to him, That movement can leave parents in a vulnerability situationwithout a sufficient economic mattress to face unforeseen events or simply to enjoy your old age with peace of mind. In addition, if all goods are delivered to a single child, the risk of conflicts between brothers grows exponentially.
And it’s not just about the emotional. From the economic point of view, The expert recalls that much of the wealth of Spanish households comes precisely from inheritances: more than 80%. Therefore, making precipitated decisions in life can affect the future cast and have tax consequences. Although it is true that donations can prevent the payment of certain taxes if they do not exceed certain limits, that does not justify to assume unnecessary risks.
The importance of planning without rushing
Beyond the punctual advice, Bernardos insists on the need for adequate planning So inheritances or donations do not become a source of problems. In this sense, having the advice of experts in succession law and patrimonial planning is more than recommended.
Besides, The economist invites us to reflect on the symbolic value of inheritance. It is not just money or properties, but what this transmission represents: a legacy, a way of caring for loved ones even after having split. Therefore, he insists that giving everything in life can distort that process, causing part of its meaning to be lost.
Inheritance, donation or both: What should be the most?
The answer is not unique. Each family is different and personal circumstances weigh a lot. For some it may make sense to help a child in life if it goes through a bad streak. For others, it is best to wait for death so that all heirs receive their part as established in the will. The important thing, in any case, is to be clear about the effects of each decision, both from the legal and emotional point of view.
Bernardos is not radical, but it does ask for common sense. He advises to avoid extreme decisions, such as donating all the heritage to a single person, and advocates combining options if you want to help without losing stability. For example, partial donation with certain conditions can be made, or establish clauses that protect the donor in case of conflict.
