International Wills
Cross-border will planning for estates involving Spain
Inheritance in Spain » European Succession »
International Wills for Assets in Spain and Abroad
Owning property or investments in Spain while living in another country raises a key question: which law will apply to your estate when you pass away?
An international will is not just a document — it is a legal strategy to coordinate your wishes across different countries, legal systems and tax regimes. Done correctly, it prevents disputes between heirs, reduces delays and avoids conflicting wills in different jurisdictions.
Our firm advises foreign nationals with assets in Spain and international families who want to make sure their wishes are respected and smoothly applied under Spanish and foreign succession rules.
Our Experience in International Will Planning
We focus on cross-border succession planning involving Spain, ensuring that your will is compatible with Spanish law and with the law of your country of residence or nationality. Our work usually includes:
- Reviewing existing foreign wills to detect conflicts with Spanish succession rules.
- Drafting or adapting wills for assets located in Spain (property, bank accounts, investments).
- Advising on applicable law and choice of law under European succession rules and domestic regulations.
- Coordinating with foreign lawyers and advisers to align your estate plan across jurisdictions.
Our goal is that your will is valid, enforceable and coherent both in Spain and abroad, minimising the risk of litigation or family disputes.
Why International Wills Matter When You Own Assets in Spain
A carefully structured will is one of the most effective tools to protect your heirs, especially when more than one legal system is involved.
01
Avoid conflicting wills
We help you prevent contradictions between your Spanish and foreign wills, so your wishes are applied consistently.
02
Clarify which law applies
We explain whether Spanish law, your national law or another law will govern your estate — and how to structure your will accordingly.
03
Protect vulnerable heirs
We take into account forced heirship rules, reserved shares and special protections for spouses, children and dependants.
04
Reduce uncertainty and delays
A well-structured will makes the later inheritance process faster, clearer and less stressful for your family.
Who We Advise on International Wills
We assist individuals and families with international lives and assets, including:
- Foreign residents living in Spain
- Non-residents who own property or investments in Spain
- Retirees with assets in more than one country
- Expatriates with family in different jurisdictions
- Couples with different nationalities or domiciles
- Beneficiaries concerned about future succession conflicts
- Law firms seeking Spanish input on cross-border estate planning
If your situation involves more than one country, it is advisable to review your will structure before a future inheritance becomes urgent.
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International wills are not only about documents — they are about giving your family clarity when they will need it most.
We can review your current arrangements, identify risks and help you put in place a structure that works for Spain and for your home country.
How We Work on International Wills
A structured, step-by-step approach tailored to your assets and family situation:
1
Initial review
We analyse your current wills (if any), your nationality, residence, family situation and the assets you hold in Spain and abroad.
2
Legal and practical guidance
We explain which law is likely to apply to your estate, how Spanish rules interact with foreign rules and what options you have.
3
Drafting or adjusting your will
We prepare or adapt your will so that it is compatible with Spanish requirements and coordinated with any foreign will you keep in place.
4
Execution and future use
We assist with signing before a Spanish notary where required and ensure that, when the time comes, your heirs can rely on a clear, workable document.
Contact our team
We are here to help you navigate your legal or administrative matter in Spain.
If you need personalised guidance, you can send us a short message and our team will:
- Review your enquiry
- Clarify the steps and requirements
- Identify what you can do next
- Provide direct assistance suited to your situation