Testimonials from clients of De Cotta Law
All of our lawyers and administrators always look to provide a friendly and efficient service to our clients. With our 4 offices in Mijas Costa, Nerja, Coin and Tenerife in the Canary Islands we provide a professional service and these are just some of the Testimonials we have received recently. Property purchase in Tenerife – […]
Finding Lost Relatives – Heirs to Spanish Property
As a law firm serving the international community in Spain, we are often approached by ‘heir-hunters’ or companies who specialise in tracing lost relatives. Over the last 30 or more years of immigration, residence and property purchase by British nationals many properties have been purchased. In some cases these people have lost contact with their […]
Intestacy – dying without a valid will
Valid wills The Spanish notarial system provides more security for those who make a valid will. This is because there is a Central Wills Registry where each notarial will is registered by the notary. The original will is always kept on the Protocol (archive) of the notary where you sign the will. The information at […]
Questions and Answers on Spanish Estates – Wills, Inheritance & Probate
Q & A with Jon Sutton, Partner with De Cotta Law 1) Is it necessary for clients who own property in Spain to have a separate Spanish Will? Strictly speaking, it is possible to have one English form will to cover all your assets, moveable or immoveable throughout the world. The Spanish Civil Code permits […]
Marriage and its effect on inheritance tax in Spain
Most ex-patriots from the UK will be acquainted with the fact that if you are domiciled back home, any assets bequeathed to a wife or husband are free of UK inheritance tax under the spouse exemption rule. However, many people are surprised to learn that the spouse exemption does not apply to any assets in […]
The importance of having a Will
A will is one of those things that you know you really ought to do but continually put off. In the UK, almost 70% of the adult population does not have a will. In opinion surveys, most people agree that they should have a will but reasons given for not having one vary from not […]
What to do if you suffer a bereavement in Spain – Wills, Probate and Inheritance in Spain
Many British ex-patriots move to Spain later in life to enjoy their retirement in a warmer climate. An unfortunate consequence of this is that when they eventually pass away, the next of kin, whether here in Spain or back in the UK are confronted with dealing with the funeral arrangements and the inheritance matters. This […]
Do I Need A Spanish Will?
The simple answer to this question is that if you are a foreigner living in Spain and you have Spanish assets ranging from a property, to a bank account or car then you do need a Spanish will. WHY? Because having a Spanish will prepared makes dealing with the deceased person’s estate simpler, quicker and […]