Why a will is important for Spanish property owners
When a property-owning spouse or family member dies having left no will in Spain or in their country of residence the procedure can be very costly and time consuming. In the UK you can generally notify the Land Registry, the banks etc to transfer property into your sole name if you are the surviving spouse. […]
Do I need a lawyer when I sell my property
The simple answer to this question is Yes. Why? Firstly, the taxation on sales of property is case specific and whilst you may be given an estimate by the estate agents, each particular sale should be reviewed by a lawyer. Secondly, with the licencing of rural properties now an important issue, you don´t want to […]
Property injunctions – Boundary disputes
In Spain it is possible to obtain court injunctions where there is evidence that a neighbour is building on part of your property or building without a licence and the construction affects your property rights. For example, if you live in a village house and a neighbour starts to build over a terrace or adjoining […]
Reduced inheritance tax in Andalucia
Andalucia has always been one of the most attractive places in Europe to buy property, with a wonderful climate, culture and beaches. Now it also has one of the most favourable inheritance tax regimes for spouses, children and families. At the start of 2018 the region massively increased the inheritance tax allowance for a spouse, […]
Resolution
My colleague Reyes Gómez and I have just joined the UK Family Lawyers’ organization, RESOLUTION. Their aim is to encourage lawyers to seek settlements and avoid conflict when a family relationship breaks down. This can be as part of an agreed divorce; to agree custody and visits for children of the family or for the […]
El nuevo procedimiento de desahucio express
Cualquier persona que sea propietaria de un inmueble conoce los riesgos que supone alquilar una vivienda a un desconocido y las dificultades que encuentra el propietario de la misma en el caso de que el inquilino deje de pagar la renta. Estas dificultades son aún mayores en el caso de que la vivienda sea ocupada […]
Powers of attorney
Powers of attorney can be very helpful particularly between a couple, family or friends who jointly own property. It is important to take advice and to keep clear records if you hold a power of attorney. The involvement of an experienced lawyer is important. If any dispute does arise regarding powers for British citizens for […]
Travelling with children
Travelling is very much part of our lives in Europe. If you are travelling with children it is very much taken for granted that you won´t have any problems provided you all have valid passports. However, if the children do not share your surname it is important to have additional information if the airline or […]
Family lawyers – a blessing or a curse
We all know good news is heard less often and that bad news sells newspapers. My good news this month is that family lawyers can, and indeed do, help couples whose relationship breaks down. In particular, where there are children involved and by reaching agreement lengthy court proceedings can be avoided. Sadly, and all too […]
Contact and residence orders in Family cases
Re-establishing contact for a Father who had not seen his 11 year old daughter for 6 years We have successfully acted for a father who has been given a court order for contact with his 11 year old daughter after 6 years without seeing her. The child had been removed from England by her mother […]
Buying property off plan in Spain – Independent advice
With construction commencing again and prices rising in most areas of Spain many people are buying property off plan. This can be a very good way to purchase with payment in instalments until the construction is completed. Buying in this way in Spain is safe and secure provided your lawyer ensures that a guarantee or […]
Recovering & protecting Spanish assets
The good news for Insolvency Practitioners & Trustees in Bankruptcy is that Spanish property values are increasing. If a bankrupt individual or an insolvent company owns assets in Spain it is a good time to place a charge on the property and to ultimately seek recovery for the bankruptcy or insolvency in the UK. We […]