Car hire insurance top up.

Hi there,

I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware that once you buy a property in Spain you should make a spanish will. Your UK will will not cover your spanish proerty under spanish law. If you don't have a will it can take years for an estate to be sorted out, even if the death is between husband and wife where you would automatically presume taht the estate would pass to the surviving spouse.

By the way while the estate is being sorted out, which can take up to 5 years!!!! you are liable for the taxes that acrue on the property.

Mary

great advice Mary something I didn't know thankyou

steve

Hi

I understood that if your English will specifically mentioned the Spanish property and you are a UK resident then the English will is recognised. I'm not sure what the position is if you're a Spanish resident though. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Cheers
Chris

Hi Chris,

My understanding is that you have to have a will specifically for Spain, that you are not covered by your UK will even if you have included your intentions for your Spanish property in it!

I will double check it again with my legal contact.

Mary

 

Thanks Mary , a confirmation would be really appreciated as we don't want to go to the expense of setting up Spanish Wills unless it is  absolutely necessary.

Chris

Hi

Just found this thread which has been inactive for months. I'm no expert but my understanding is that a UK will is valid but due to differences in the legal systems it is very much easier to have your wishes fulfilled by having a legal Spanish will exclusively for Spanish assests. Also think it is likely that it may be less costly in the long run than enforcing a UK will in Spain.

Just my understandings of course, not sure of the facts.