It is estimated that over half of adults in the UK (over 60%) don't have a Will in place. This figure is even larger in Spain. Many people believe they are either too young to write a Will or that it may be too expensive to do so. Others may believe they may not have enough money or property to make writing a Will worthwhile. The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth.
Dying without a Will can make what is already a difficult time for your loved ones a lot harder. Ultimately, it could also prove to be a very expensive mistake that can adversely affect your Estate and the interests of your beneficiaries.
If you own Spanish assets then it is highly advisable to have a Spanish Will in place dealing with the distribution of your Spanish assets upon death. In addition, if you also have assets in the United Kingdom or abroad, it is also important that clear dispositions are made in respect of those assets in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of any Spanish Will that you already have or intend on writing.
At DRM Abogados, we have years of experience in writing Wills for Spanish and international clients which cover a wide range of circumstances. We can assist you by drafting a Spanish and/or a UK Will, depending on your circumstances, and advising you on the best mechanisms to transfer your assets to your loved ones ensuring that your instructions on your wishes are reflected clearly and unambiguously.
All Wills are reviewed by our multilingual team of legal professionals, giving you reassurance that the document is legally binding and bespoke to the specifics of your situation.
Wills can also be used as an effective instrument for tax planning and to protect your assets for future generations. At DRM Abogados, we can advise you on ways to minimise your inheritance tax liability on death.
We can also help you make changes to an existing Spanish or UK Will, while giving you peace of mind that your Will is safe, secure and kept up to date at all times.
Spanish Inheritance rules are rooted in Classic and Medieval processes which had been devised with the sole primary aim of keeping the Deceased's wealth within his or her own family. In this sense, Spanish rules are very different to the United Kingdom in that there is no free disposition of assets under our legal system. Instead, the Spanish Legal System operates under a harsh and strict system of Forced Heirship Rules. This means that, according to Spanish provisions, it is mandatory to leave two thirds of an Estate to the descendants of the Deceased and only the last third of the Estate can be freely disposed of. Since 2015 however, a foreign Testator can take active steps to dis-apply the harsh Spanish Law provisions on Last Wills and Testaments. In cases of expats living in Spain, it is important that you discuss the particulars of your case with an experienced Lawyer to ensure your Will is not rendered invalid due to a conflict of laws.
There are 7 steps to our Will writing process:
STEP 1: You receive a Will Writing Questionnaire or access our Online Will Instructions page. If you prefer a face-to-face interview, please let us know.
STEP 2: Once you have completed the questionnaire or online interview, please return it to us with payment for your Will.
STEP 3: With the information provided, our lawyers will prepare the first draft of your Will within a few days.
STEP 4: We will ask you to review your Will and discuss it with you, implementing any changes that you feel are necessary.
STEP 5: Once agreed, we will arrange for your Will to be signed by you in front of a Spanish Public Notary if necessary.
STEP 6: We will register your Will with the Spanish Registry of Wills and Last Testaments.
STEP 7: Congratulations! Your Will is now complete.
Dying without a Will can make what is already a difficult time for your loved ones a lot harder. Ultimately, it could also prove to be a very expensive mistake that can adversely affect your Estate and the interests of your beneficiaries.
If you own Spanish assets then it is highly advisable to have a Spanish Will in place dealing with the distribution of your Spanish assets upon death. In addition, if you also have assets in the United Kingdom or abroad, it is also important that clear dispositions are made in respect of those assets in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of any Spanish Will that you already have or intend on writing.
At DRM Abogados, we have years of experience in writing Wills for Spanish and international clients which cover a wide range of circumstances. We can assist you by drafting a Spanish and/or a UK Will, depending on your circumstances, and advising you on the best mechanisms to transfer your assets to your loved ones ensuring that your instructions on your wishes are reflected clearly and unambiguously.
All Wills are reviewed by our multilingual team of legal professionals, giving you reassurance that the document is legally binding and bespoke to the specifics of your situation.
Wills can also be used as an effective instrument for tax planning and to protect your assets for future generations. At DRM Abogados, we can advise you on ways to minimise your inheritance tax liability on death.
We can also help you make changes to an existing Spanish or UK Will, while giving you peace of mind that your Will is safe, secure and kept up to date at all times.
Spanish Inheritance rules are rooted in Classic and Medieval processes which had been devised with the sole primary aim of keeping the Deceased's wealth within his or her own family. In this sense, Spanish rules are very different to the United Kingdom in that there is no free disposition of assets under our legal system. Instead, the Spanish Legal System operates under a harsh and strict system of Forced Heirship Rules. This means that, according to Spanish provisions, it is mandatory to leave two thirds of an Estate to the descendants of the Deceased and only the last third of the Estate can be freely disposed of. Since 2015 however, a foreign Testator can take active steps to dis-apply the harsh Spanish Law provisions on Last Wills and Testaments. In cases of expats living in Spain, it is important that you discuss the particulars of your case with an experienced Lawyer to ensure your Will is not rendered invalid due to a conflict of laws.
There are 7 steps to our Will writing process:
STEP 1: You receive a Will Writing Questionnaire or access our Online Will Instructions page. If you prefer a face-to-face interview, please let us know.
STEP 2: Once you have completed the questionnaire or online interview, please return it to us with payment for your Will.
STEP 3: With the information provided, our lawyers will prepare the first draft of your Will within a few days.
STEP 4: We will ask you to review your Will and discuss it with you, implementing any changes that you feel are necessary.
STEP 5: Once agreed, we will arrange for your Will to be signed by you in front of a Spanish Public Notary if necessary.
STEP 6: We will register your Will with the Spanish Registry of Wills and Last Testaments.
STEP 7: Congratulations! Your Will is now complete.