Spanish Inheritance Lawyer in Mijas – Legal Advice for Foreigners
Dealing with an inheritance in Spain can be complex, especially for foreigners who are unfamiliar with Spanish succession laws, probate procedures and inheritance taxes
If you own property or assets in Spain — or if you are inheriting from a relative who did — having a local inheritance lawyer in Mijas is essential.
Our law firm assists international clients across Mijas, La Cala de Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella and Calahonda, providing clear, practical and fully compliant legal advice in English.
Understanding Spanish Inheritance Law for Foreigners
One of the most common misconceptions among foreigners is assuming that inheritance laws in Spain work the same way as in their home country.
They do not.
Spanish inheritance law is governed by:
- The Spanish Civil Code
- EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV)
- Regional tax regulations (Andalusia has its own rules)
This means that nationality, residence, assets location and wills all play a crucial role.
As inheritance lawyers in Costa del Sol, we analyze your specific situation to ensure:
- The correct law applies
- Your rights are protected
- Taxes are minimized legally
Do Foreigners Need a Spanish Will?
Yes — in most cases, having a Spanish will is strongly recommended.
A Spanish will:
- Speeds up the inheritance process
- Reduces legal costs
- Avoids conflicts between heirs
- Allows application of your national law (if desired)
- Simplifies probate in Spain
Without a Spanish will, heirs often face:
- Delays of several months
- Higher notary and legal costs
- Legal uncertainty
Our inheritance lawyers in Mijas regularly draft Spanish wills for expats, tailored to UK, Irish, Scandinavian and other international clients.
Probate and Succession Process in Spain
Probate in Spain is an administrative and legal procedure that must be completed before assets can be transferred to heirs.
The process typically includes:
- Obtaining death certificates
- Locating wills (Spanish and foreign)
- Identifying heirs legally
- Valuing assets in Spain
- Calculating inheritance tax
- Signing deeds before a Spanish notary
This process must be done in Spain, even if all heirs live abroad.
As probate lawyers in Costa del Sol, we act on behalf of heirs using power of attorney, so you don’t need to travel to Spain in most cases.
Inheritance Tax in Andalusia (Costa del Sol)
Inheritance tax in Spain depends on:
- Relationship between deceased and heir
- Value of inherited assets
- Autonomous community
Good news for many foreigners:
Andalusia currently offers significant inheritance tax reductions, especially for close relatives.
However:
- Deadlines are strict
- Late filings can result in penalties
- Incorrect declarations can trigger inspections
Our tax and inheritance lawyers in Mijas ensure full compliance while applying every legal reduction available.
Common Inheritance Problems We Solve
Foreign heirs often contact us because of:
- No Spanish will
- Conflicting wills in different countries
- Disputes between heirs
- Unpaid taxes or debts
- Property registered incorrectly
- Banks blocking accounts
We provide clear legal solutions, not generic advice.
If litigation becomes necessary, we also represent clients in inheritance disputes across Mijas, Fuengirola and Marbella courts.
Why Choose a Local Inheritance Lawyer in Mijas?
Choosing a local lawyer matters.
We offer:
- Deep knowledge of Andalusian inheritance law
- Direct access to local notaries and land registries
- Experience with foreign clients
- English-speaking legal service
- Practical, no-nonsense advice
Being based in Mijas / La Cala de Mijas, we work daily with international clients who own property along the Costa del Sol.
Get Expert Inheritance Advice in Costa del Sol
Whether you are:
- Planning your estate in Spain
- Inheriting property or assets
- Facing probate or tax issues
Our inheritance lawyers in Mijas are here to help you protect your interests and avoid costly mistakes.
📩 Contact us today for clear, professional inheritance advice tailored to foreigners in Spain.
