Sandra Wrightson, Barrister Overseas, interviewd by Sur in English
De Cotta McKenna & Santafé, English solicitors, and lawyers, and Spanish Abogados, in Marbella, Andalusia, Spain
Divorce
Here we talk about the big 'D' – Divorce. A potentially prickly subject calling for objective advice, pragmatic realism and cogent compromise. As is ever the case in such delicate areas of practice, the lawyer’s job is to enable the client to see the wood for the trees – a focus which all too […]
Reunite International – Support for International Child Abduction
De Cotta, McKenna & Santafe provide comprehensive Family Law services, including legal support in complex child abductions cases. DMS is a member of Reunite International, the established and most widely recognised international charity specialising in international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders. DMS and its specialist panel of family lawyers is acknowledged as one of […]
INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION – IS IT A CRIME? De Cotta McKenna & Santafé, English Solicitors and Spanish Abogados, Costa del Sol.
In Spain there is an ever growing number of families with an overseas dimension in as much as one or both spouses or partners are not Spanish, albeit that they are EU citizens or from even further afield. Unfortunately, the correlation of such is that there is an ever growing number of family breakdowns which […]
Child Benefit in Spain, De Cotta McKenna & Santafé English Solicitors and Spanish Abogados, Costa del Sol.
Some current Spanish legislation might be of direct financial benefit for readers who have recently given birth, are about to give birth or adopt a child. If you have given birth after 1 July 2007, you may be entitled to a 2,500€ child cash handout (or hand-up) from the Spanish authorities. So, if you […]
Mums In Spain – the online community for mums and expectant mums
Being an expectant mum or new mother can be demanding at the best of times and especially when you're living abroad. That's why at De Cotta Law we'd like to introduce you to the newly enhanced online community, Mums in Spain. This is very much a site for mums built by mums. The vast majority […]
Divorce & Pensions in Spain
In the United Kingdo, pension sharing and pension splitting orders are now common where a couple divorce after a lengthy marriage. In English law a pension can be considered as one of the most important assets as it can provide for future needs of the parties. In the Spanish Courts when an English couple divorce, […]
Family Matters, Children & The Hague Convention
During the last 20 years a growing number of English families have settled in Spain. Many children are bilingual having settled into Spanish or international schools. If the parents separate, whether married or not, there can be very difficult decisions about custody, visits and maintenance. In the most difficult situations, one parent may want to […]
Marriage and its effect on inheritance tax in Spain
Most ex-patriates from the UK will be acquainted with the fact that if you are domiciled in the UK, any assets bequeathed to a wife or husband are tax free under the spouse exemption rule. However, many people are surprised to learn that the spouse exemption does not apply to any assets in Spain, including […]
Separation of Assets in Spain
Many English people will remember signing their Deeds, (Escritura), of their property at the Notary. Spanish Notaries are officials of the state and have extensive experience and knowledge. Sometimes they ask a couple about their “matrimonial regime” and this can cause confusion with English and British nationals who are not aware of the concept. This […]
Pre Marital Contracts – “Pre Nuptial” or “Pre Nup” In Spain
We are often asked if English law recognises pre marital contract. English law differs from the rest of Europe as we have a common law system where the “matrimonial regime 2 is not a fixed system granting specific rights from the moment of marriage. In Spain for example, the normal or default regime is gananciales […]
Separation of Assets
Many English people will remember signing their Deeds, (Escritura), of their property at the Notary. Spanish Notaries are officials of the state and have extensive experience and knowledge. Sometimes they ask a couple about their “matrimonial regime” and this can cause confusion with English and British nationals who are not aware of the concept. This […]