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Inheritance Law Spain

We understand that the discussion around proceedings, once someone passes away, is one that people look to put off for a while. However, it is one that should be had at some point, and to make you feel as comfortable as possible, you should rely on a professional team of Spanish inheritance law experts.

If you are lucky enough to own a property in the wonderful country of Spain, it’s important that you understand the details of inheritance law in Spain. This way, you will make sure you are well aware of the process of handing down your belongings in the unfortunate case that you pass away. Ensuring the relevant parties receive some of your most prized belongings allows the intended outcome to be found, so your legacy can continue as intended. Making a will is the only way to decide which will be the applicable law to your inheritance. This could either be the law of your nationality, or inheritance law in Spain.

It is important to look thoroughly into this decision and perhaps request advice and expertise from a team of Spanish inheritance law professionals, such as Manzanares Lawyers. Your decision has big consequences on the type of inheritance you’re allowed to give away. This is why you should spend time carefully considering your options so you can leave no stone unturned and draw up a very clear pathway of events after your passing.

Here at Manzanares Lawyers, we understand that the concept of inheritance law is difficult to grasp for many, especially if you have no prior knowledge of Spanish law. Luckily for our customers, we’re here to help whenever you need us! This is one of the fields of Spanish law that our solicitors in Spain specialise in, so we will gladly be of assistance.

We recommend that you enlist the help of a professional law firm, such as ourselves, so you can be sure you’re receiving the in-depth level of help that you deserve. At Manzanares Lawyers, we can give you immediate advice on inheritance law in Spain, providing sensible guidance on what the most legally correct way of dealing with your situation is. We have over 20 years of experience in assisting foreign nationals to achieve the outcome they deserve. This is done by using our extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of inheritance law in Spain.

It is important to accurately understand inheritance law, or you may end up making costly mistakes that mean the process of passing down your belongings doesn’t go as planned. We can help you be safe in the knowledge that your assets are going exactly where you want them to.

Inheritance law can be intricate at the best of times. The best way to ensure the outcome you desire is to make sure that it is expressed explicitly in your will. If you have any further questions about Spanish inheritance law, then they may be answered in our FAQs below.  But if you require more information on this field of law or any other aspect of the service we offer, please get in touch with our friendly team today. Give either of our offices a call on +34 952 82 41 12 (Marbella) or +34 952 59 50 42 (Alhaurin). Alternatively, you can drop us an email at clientservices@manzanareslawyers.com or fill out our online form and we will respond as soon as we can.

How is Spanish inheritance law different from the UK?

One of the key differences between inheritance law in Spain and the UK is that, in the UK, most of your possessions will automatically go to your husband or wife. In contrast, with Spanish inheritance law, two-thirds of your possessions automatically go to your children if you don’t have a will in place. If you have no children, then any surviving parents are entitled to one-third of the inheritance if there is a surviving spouse, or 50% if there is not.

What else is important to know about Spanish inheritance law?

If you die without making a Spanish will, then this can result in a complicated process. This involves identifying which inheritance law applies to you, whether this is Spanish inheritance law or the law of the country you are a national of. This can be complicated and complex but can be established by the team of experienced lawyers here at Manzanares.

Frequently Asked Questions​

In what can seem like a stressful time following the passing of a loved one or friend, Manzanares Lawyers can assure you that our approach towards inheritance law in Spain will ensure that all of the complicated legalities that come with the process are dealt with in the best possible way. We make sure that you feel as comfortable as possible during this difficult time, so you can make the progression needed in a way that is comfortable and caring at all times. Our team are experienced in providing sensible, high-quality legal advice, so we can be the perfect advocate that you can trust and will guarantee a successful outcome. We can discuss Spanish inheritance law in detail with you whenever you need us, so you can be assured that you’re in safe hands.
Technically, you don’t need a lawyer when it comes to dealing with inheritance in Spain. However, we do recommend that you use one to give you the best chance of reaching the outcome you desire. Just like you would in the UK or anywhere else in the world, the small print can usually pull many people up that fail to use an expert during this process. By using someone who has plenty of experience and know-how in the field, much like the team at Manzanares Lawyers, you’re able to benefit from streamlined, efficient operations. We can give you the assistance and advice you need during this time, so you can come away confident that proceedings are being dealt with correctly. This is especially true if you have no experience of inheriting in Spain, as inheritance law in Spain does vary greatly compared to other countries.
A notary is important during the inheritance process in Spain. Their role is to advise you of the formalities and procedures involved, to draft the required documents, and to publicly certify the facts, acts, and agreements that they witness. Whilst a notary will ensure that the documentation is done correctly, they do not affect the majority of the procedure, so it’s worth turning towards a lawyer for advice with inheritance law in Marbella or elsewhere.