Spanish Legal Services for British Expats:

Navigate Spanish Inheritance Law with Confidence

For British expats living in Spain, understanding the intricacies of Spanish inheritance law is essential.
Many expats mistakenly believe their UK Will covers Spanish assets or assume their spouse will automatically inherit everything.
These misunderstandings can lead to unintended financial consequences and mismanaged estates.

Challenges Faced by British Expats in Spain

• Unexpected Estate Distribution:
  Without a specific Spanish Will, your estate may not be distributed per your wishes.
  Spanish forced heirship rules can override personal preferences, possibly leaving your spouse with only a life interest in a portion of the estate.

• Complex Legal and Administrative Processes:
  Navigating the Spanish legal system can be daunting, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish or familiar with local laws.
  Engaging a Spanish solicitor for probate can be expensive.

• Recognition Issues with UK Wills:
  UK Wills might not be recognised in Spain without additional legal steps, such as translation and notarisation, leading to potential legal complications and high costs.

Beacon Advice: Your Comprehensive Solution

At Beacon Advice, we provide tailored solutions to ease these challenges:

• Drafting a Spanish Will with Brussels IV Clause:
  By incorporating a Brussels IV clause, you can choose your home country’s law for estate succession, ensuring your wishes are respected.
  Our service is competitively priced at £250 per Spanish Will.

• Spanish Financial Lasting Power of Attorney:
  Appoint trusted individuals to manage your financial affairs in Spain for £350 per LPA, offering peace of mind and continuity in financial management.

• Expert Probate Assistance:
  As your executor, Beacon Advice offers a streamlined probate process at a competitive rate of 1.75% + IVA, handling all aspects of estate administration efficiently.

Ensuring Timely and Efficient Legal Processes

• Prompt Probate Completion:
  In Spain, much of the inheritance process must be completed within six months.
  Our efficient services ensure deadlines are met, minimizing stress and potential financial loss.

• Simplified Notarisation and Legal Compliance:
  Our partnerships with English-speaking notaries across Spain simplify the notarisation process, ensuring all documents are legally binding and compliant with Spanish law.

Why Choose Beacon Advice for Your Spanish Legal Services?

In conjunction with our trusted Anglo-Spanish Legal Firm, Beacon Advice provides comprehensive, compassionate, and professional services tailored to the unique needs of British expats in Spain.
Our combined expertise in Spanish legal services, combined with our dedication to client satisfaction, makes us the ideal partner for managing your estate with confidence.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Legacy

Let Beacon Advice be your trusted partner in navigating Spanish inheritance law.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help safeguard your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.
Visit – Contact / About Us – Beacon Advice

FAQ’s

Spanish Wills

Q: Do Spanish Wills have Executors?
A: Unlike in the UK, Spanish Wills do not typically appoint executors. Instead, the heirs are directly responsible for managing and distributing the estate according to the terms of the Will.
This requires all of their consent and signatures etc. and can make managing the estate very difficult.
The best advice is to appoint a professional Executor via the Will to ensure compliance with Spanish law.

Q: Where are Spanish Wills held?
A: Spanish Wills are usually registered and held at the Central Wills Registry in Madrid.
This registry ensures that a central record exists, making it easier to locate a Will after the testator’s death.

Probate

Q: What is Spanish Probate?
A: Spanish Probate, or “sucesión,” is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s estate to their heirs.
This involves obtaining a “declaración de herederos” (declaration of heirs) and ensuring that all debts, taxes, and legal obligations are settled before the estate is distributed.
The process can be complex, especially for non-residents, and often requires legal assistance.

Q: How long does Spanish Probate last?
A: Probate needs to be completed in six months from the date of death.
This is the main reason why it is best advice to instruct a professional executor firm to carry it out for you.

Useful Links

Government Guidance on Living in Spain – Living in Spain – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)