The Probate is the process by which the necessary legal steps are taken from when a person passes away until their assets are transferred to the heirs.
It is a painful process as it involves the loss of a loved one, but whose resolution can often be critical to ensure the surviving family’s financial situation is taken care of, so you should be in the hands of professionals.
At Abad & Associates we have extensive experience in fulfilling the last wishes of the deceased and to get their assets in Spain to their rightful heirs. We are prepared for any probate of any size or complexity, and we often act as executors ensuring that the last will of the deceased is satisfied, performing all legal and tax formalities to complete the process without any tension.
Our knowledge on the subject makes Spanish Courts often appoint us as Accountants-Splitters to implement the law that applies to probate proceedings, particularly in complex matters.
Spanish Probate & Inheritance Service for UK & International Heirs
Inheriting Spanish Assets? We Handle Everything From Start to Finish. The Spanish probate process is complex, with strict legal deadlines and severe penalties for non-compliance. Our court-recognised Spanish lawyers manage your entire inheritance case for a transparent, fixed fee – no travel to Spain required.
The Spanish Inheritance Challenge: Why Most Families Struggle
Inheriting Spanish assets from abroad is overwhelming. Here are the critical problems we solve:
Strict 6-Month Tax Deadline
Miss this deadline and face penalties of up to 20% of the tax due, plus interest. We guarantee compliance.
Complex Legal Requirements
Mandatory NIE numbers, notarised deeds, Land Registry transfers. We handle all Spanish bureaucracy.
Cross-Border Complications
We bridge the gap between different legal systems and overcome language barriers with Spanish authorities.
Hidden Costs & Percentage Fees
Our fixed-fee model protects you from shock bills often associated with percentage or hourly rate solicitors.
No Will? Extra Complexity
We manage the "Declaration of Heirs" process, adding clarity and structure when a Spanish will is absent.
Coordinating Multiple Regions
We centrally manage inheritances with properties in different areas, each with its own rules.
Our Complete Spanish Probate Solution
When you choose ABAD Abogados, you’re purchasing peace of mind. Our comprehensive service includes everything needed to complete your Spanish inheritance:
Full Case Management
- Dedicated English-speaking lawyer
- Regular updates throughout
- Single point of contact
Essential Documentation
- NIE numbers obtained for all heirs
- Official will searches & copies
- Apostilled & translated certificates
Legal Representation
- Deed of Acceptance executed
- Power of Attorney representation
- Declaration of Heirs (if no will)
Tax & Financial Management
- Inheritance tax calculated & filed
- Property taxes updated
- Spanish bank accounts released
Property Transfers
- Land Registry ownership updates
- Community fees & utilities transferred
- Coordination with estate agents
Tax Optimisation
- Strategies to minimise liabilities
- Application of all regional allowances
- Expert advice on your tax position
Transparent, Fixed-Fee Pricing
No percentage fees. No hourly billing. No surprises. We provide clear, fixed-fee quotes based on the complexity of your case, not its value. This approach provides financial certainty and significant savings compared to traditional percentage-based billing.
“ABAD Abogados provided a fixed fee quote that was significantly lower than the percentage the other firm wanted to charge. Their service was impeccable from start to finish.”
— Sarah M., Manchester
Transparent, Fixed-Fee Pricing
Court-Recognised Expertise
Our lawyers are regularly appointed by Spanish Courts as Contadores-Partidores – the highest recognition of expertise in inheritance law.
UK & International Specialists
We specialise exclusively in helping clients from the UK, Ireland, USA, and beyond, understanding the practical challenges of inheriting from abroad.
Proven Track Record
With 25+ years of experience and thousands of successful cases, our multilingual team offers unparalleled guidance from our three strategic office locations.
Efficiency & Speed
Our average completion time is 4-6 months for standard cases. We have never missed a tax filing deadline, ensuring a swift, stress-free process.
Transparent, Fixed-Fee Pricing
"When my father passed away in Alicante, I was overwhelmed... ABAD Abogados handled everything professionally and their fixed fee was exactly as quoted. I cannot recommend them highly enough."
"We inherited properties in three different Spanish provinces. ABAD coordinated everything seamlessly and kept us informed throughout. Their expertise saved us months of stress and confusion."
"The team at ABAD spoke perfect English and explained every step clearly. Their fixed-fee approach meant no nasty surprises – something other firms couldn't guarantee."
FAQs
Once the intestacy case is in procedure, the only case in which the Spanish Government would keep the inheritance of the deceased would be if there were no descendants , ascendants nor collaterals up to 4th degree(Cousins, Second degree Uncles/Aunts ( brothers/sisters of the grandparents) and second nieces/ nephews ( grandkids of the brothers/sisters of the deceased).
Standard inheritance cases are typically completed within 4-6 months. More complex cases, such as those involving multiple properties, numerous heirs, or the absence of a will, may take 8-12 months.
The most critical factor is the legal deadline to file Spanish inheritance tax within six months. If a case is complex or requires documents from your home country that may take time to acquire, we proactively apply for a six-month filing extension on your behalf to ensure full compliance.
Since the succession procedure will be according to the Spanish legislation since the deceased was a Spanish resident and all the heritage was in our country, following the doctrine of the Supreme Court, the law applicable to the succession would be Spanish, and therefore all children, without discrimination, shall be ” forced heirs” and have a number of rights provided by law.
Where the deceased had his regular residence. In this regard, it is considered that the deceased was regularly resident in the territory where he lived more days in the last five years before his/her death, with the exception of the Basque Country and Navarra.
In this case we recommend you grant the maximum power of attorney to a firm specialized in Spain to handle the probate process on your behalf. Abad & Asociados Abogados can arrange these powers to act on your behalf without having to travel.
In this case, the country of residence of the deceased regulates the succession.
You can complete the entire inheritance process from abroad. We represent you via a Power of Attorney, which is easily granted at a Spanish Consulate in your home country or through a local notary (with an apostille).
An NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number) is also required. While this can be obtained at a Spanish Consulate, we offer a more streamlined process. For clients who visit Spain, we can manage the application efficiently with a single appointment at our offices to sign an authorization and certify your passport.
When a Spanish will is not present, we coordinate with your local solicitors in your home country to handle the necessary legal procedures. If the deceased left a will in their country, we will manage the Grant of Probate or European Certificate of Succession. In cases where the deceased passed away without any will (intestate), we will handle the Letters of Administration and the official Declaration of Heirs to legally establish your inheritance rights.
Spanish inheritance tax varies significantly by region and relationship to the deceased. Spouses and children often pay very little or nothing. We calculate and optimise your tax position as part of our service.
Yes. We regularly manage inheritances involving properties in different Spanish autonomous communities. We coordinate everything centrally, navigating the different tax rates and procedures for you.
Your Next Steps
Book Your Free Consultation Now
Don’t let Spanish inheritance law overwhelm you during an already difficult time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation discussion and receive your personalised, fixed-fee quote.
