Free disposition of assets has a long tradition in England & Wales and you will have heard stories of wealthy individuals leaving all their assets to friends or even the local dog’s home. In one recent case a Judge had … Continued
Escaping to a property in southern Spain and the Canary Islands during the long winter months is a real joy for many people. Owning a property and having a second home here has many advantages. Now is the time of … Continued
In September 2014, the European court has decided that Spain has been discriminating against non residents by charging inheritance tax where a resident would be exempt from tax. The decision in Commission v Spain Case C-127/12 states that this discrimination … Continued
Many families travel back to their home countries at Christmas or come to Spain to visit parents and siblings. If children of the family are living with one parent who has custody and visiting another parent it is very important … Continued
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO ENGLISH INTESTACY LAWS The law of England and Wales on intestacy, dying without a will, has been changed. The Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act of 2014 has substantially changed the law. Previously where a husband, wife or … Continued
Selling your Spanish property When you are selling property in Spain it is important to get independent legal advice. There are important obligations on the seller and you should be aware of these. The tax authorities are now much more … Continued
Many people who buy property in Spain are told about the importance of making a Spanish will. However surprisingly few consider signing a lasting power of attorney at the same time. This can be particularly important for an older couple … Continued
This last year has seen an alarming rise in the number of young people leaving Spain to seek work abroad. The UK has been one of the most popular destinations with a 50% increase in the number of Spanish people … Continued
Many families from other European countries have settled in Spain over the last 20 years. Some parents are now returning to the country of their nationality and a decision has to be made about the residence of the child. This … Continued
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW LAW HOLIDAY RENTALS LAW WILL COME INTO FORCE ON 12TH MAY – PLEASE READ OUR ARTICLE AT https://decottalaw.com/holiday-rentals-new-law/ FOR THE NEW RULES Here is some useful information for those renting out their properties here in Spain … Continued
I recently wrote about the growing recognition of pre-nuptial contracts in the English and UK courts, particularly after a Supreme Court decision in the widely reported case of a French/German couple who chose to divorce in London. However in the … Continued
As a law firm serving the international community in Spain, we are often approached by ‘heir-hunters’ or companies who specialise in tracing lost relatives. Over the last 30 or more years of immigration, residence and property purchase by British nationals … Continued
