Surprise inheritance of house in Spain but need advice.

WelshPookie · 8 April 2024 at 4:08PM

My stepmother passed away earlier this year. She and my Dad were happily married for 30 years and she had no children. (My Dad passed away in 2021). They lived in Madrid and she owned the house they lived in. I have recently found out that she has left me the house in her will which has come as quite a shock as although we were close, I didn't expect that and she never told me she was planning to.

The difficulty I have is trying to navigate the rules over there. The solicitor dealing with the estate does not speak English and my Spanish is far too basic to cope with any more than casual conversation. I am in touch with my step-mothers sister who is absolutely lovely but only speaks a little English so we are reliant on 'google translate' to communicate. It was her who told me about the will and has said it is notoriously bureaucratic dealing with inheritance over there and the tax system is really complicated. I've also been researching the inheritance tax rules and see that the amount you pay depends on how close a relative you are, but can't find where step-children fit? I also saw that there is a 6 month deadline to pay the tax!

I thought it might help if I found a lawyer over here (I'm in Wales) who spoke Spanish and knew about inheritance tax/dealing with wills and transfer of funds from one country to another, who could act as an advisor and be the liaison with the Spanish solicitor.

I've phoned two big firms locally and neither of them are able to help. Does anyone know of a suitable solicitor/firm or have any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks!

DE_612183 · 8 April 2024 at 4:11PM

https://www.bcplawfirm.com/our-services/spanish-probate?mlt=adwords&keyword=spanish estate lawyer&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq86wBhDiARIsAJhuphkxxt1z3X-2G8P7U4bckZ4bdAVIif8vgW-ig_JTMIBzj6CBU3zEd3kaAqr-EALw_wcB

subjecttocontract · 8 April 2024 at 4:21PM

We have property in Spain and don't speak Spanish so it was important for us to find an English speaking Gestor/Accountant/Solicitor. Virtually all English expats need exactly the same. So my advice is find an English speaking person to represent you. We are in southern Spain, nowhere near Madrid but there will be an expat community in Madrid who may be able to advise.

Alternatively use someone here in the UK who will have connections with English representatives in Spain. Id suggest a big company such as Blevin Franks as a start......easy to find on the internet.