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Inheritance Lawyer in Spain for American Citizens

Specialist inheritance lawyers helping American citizens navigate Spanish succession law, wills, and estate planning on the Costa Blanca and Valencia for over 30 years

Who we are

Leading law firm in Costa Blanca and Valencia

Expert legal services with more than 30 years of experience. Our firm specialises in inheritance and succession law for American citizens with assets in Spain. From drafting Spanish wills to managing probate, tax declarations and property transfers, we guide you through every step of the process.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers and Solicitors — Costa Blanca & Valencia, Spain
What we do

Comprehensive inheritance law services for American citizens in Spain

Our multilingual team assists American citizens with all aspects of Spanish inheritance law, including drafting wills valid in Spain, managing probate proceedings, calculating and minimising inheritance tax, transferring property titles, coordinating with American attorneys, and resolving cross-border succession disputes. We provide a seamless, professional service in English.

Spanish Wills for Americans

Every American with assets in Spain needs a Spanish will. Without one, your heirs face lengthy probate, higher taxes and potential disputes. We draft wills that are valid under both Spanish and American law, ensuring your wishes are respected and your family is protected.

Manage Your Inheritance from the United States

You do not need to travel to Spain to manage an inheritance. With a Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial), you authorise our firm to act on your behalf throughout the entire process. This means we can accept the inheritance, pay taxes, transfer property titles and handle all notarial procedures without you leaving the United States.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones) varies significantly between regions. In the Valencia Community, specific allowances and reductions apply. We analyse your situation to minimise your tax liability, taking into account the double taxation agreement between Spain and the United States, regional exemptions and family relationship deductions.

Probate & Estate Administration

We represent American heirs in all inheritance-related legal matters in Spain. Whether you need to obtain a Spanish death certificate, apply for the Certificate of Last Wishes, manage probate proceedings, or resolve disputes between beneficiaries, our team handles every step professionally and efficiently.

Property lawyers in Javea, Valencia and Costa Blanca - Tomas Ballestero Lawyers team
Why Choose Us

Trusted law firm in Costa Blanca by expats and locals

“Since 1992, we have built our reputation on trust, transparency and results. Our clients return to us and recommend us because we treat every case with the attention it deserves.”

Experience

Over 30 years helping international clients with Spanish legal matters. We have assisted hundreds of American families with inheritance proceedings, estate planning and succession disputes throughout the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions.

English Service

Fluent English throughout the entire process. All documents explained clearly in plain language without legal jargon. We translate and explain every clause, every tax form and every notarial document so you understand exactly what is happening with your inheritance case.

Why American heirs need a local lawyer in Spain

Inheriting property or assets in Spain as an American citizen involves navigating a completely different legal system. Spanish succession law applies forced heirship rules, requires specific documentation from the United States (apostilled and translated), and involves taxes that vary dramatically by region. Without proper legal guidance, American heirs risk paying excessive inheritance tax, missing critical deadlines, or facing lengthy probate delays.

Common pitfalls for American heirs include: not understanding the six-month tax deadline, failing to obtain the Certificate of Last Wishes (Certificado de Últimas Voluntades), overlooking debts attached to inherited properties, and not knowing that accepting an inheritance in Spain can be done with limited liability (aceptación a beneficio de inventario).

A specialist inheritance lawyer in Spain who understands both the Spanish and American legal systems can save you thousands of euros in unnecessary taxes and months of bureaucratic delays.

Testimonials

What they say about us

Recommended by clients worldwide. Professional, efficient, results-driven legal solutions.

Transparent Fees

Clear pricing from the start with no hidden costs or surprises. We provide a detailed quote before we begin work so you know exactly what you will pay. No hourly billing that spirals out of control. We believe in honest, upfront pricing because we want long-term relationships with our clients, not one-time transactions.

Personal Attention

Direct contact with your lawyer throughout your case. No call centers, no junior staff handling your file, no delays waiting for callbacks. When you call our office, you speak directly with the lawyer handling your matter. We respond quickly to emails and calls because we know property transactions move fast and timing matters.

✈ Handle Your Inheritance Without Travelling to Spain

We prepare your Power of Attorney in English and Spanish. You sign in your home country, we handle due diligence, contracts, notary and Land Registry on your behalf.

✈ Ask About Property Services
Head Office

Carretera Cabo de la Nao Pla, 126 Oficina 2.28 03730 Jávea (Alicante) Valencia Office, Burriana 34, first floor.

Where we are

"Where to find us"

Our main office is in Jávea, but we serve clients throughout the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions. We also offer video consultations for clients abroad.”

Need Help With an Inheritance in Spain? Contact Us Today.

Whether you are dealing with an inheritance, need to draft a Spanish will, face a succession dispute or need legal representation in Spain, our team is ready to help. We offer consultations in English, French and Spanish, including video calls for clients in the United States.

"WhatsApp Us"

"Need help? Send us a WhatsApp message and we'll respond as soon as possible."

Get an Appointment

Book your appointment today and take the first step forward the solution.

Contact us

Send us an email or call us and a lawyer from our team will assist you.

Areas We Serve

Click on your area for local legal information:

Lawyers in Jávea | Lawyers in Dénia | Lawyers in Valencia | Lawyers in Moraira

How We Help American Citizens Inherit Property in Spain: An Example

Let us walk you through a typical case to show exactly how we help American citizens with inheritance in Spain.

The Situation

James, an American citizen living in California, learned that his father had passed away in Jávea, leaving behind an apartment valued at €320,000 and a bank account with €45,000. James had never dealt with Spanish legal matters and was unsure where to begin. He could not take extended leave from work to travel to Spain.

What We Did

First, we obtained a Power of Attorney so James did not need to travel. We then gathered all necessary documents: the Spanish death certificate, the Certificate of Last Wishes, his father’s Spanish will, and James’s American documents (apostilled and translated). We filed the inheritance tax declaration within the six-month deadline, applying all available regional deductions in the Valencia Community, which reduced the tax from €38,000 to €11,500. We executed the inheritance deed before a Spanish notary, transferred the property title at the Land Registry, and closed the bank account, transferring the funds to James in the United States.

The Result

James inherited his father’s estate without travelling to Spain, saved over €26,000 in inheritance tax through proper planning, and the entire process was completed in four months. He now uses the apartment as a holiday home for his family.

Inheritance Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial para Herencias)

Handle an inheritance in Spain without travelling from the United States. We prepare and manage your Power of Attorney so the entire transaction can be completed on your behalf.

Learn more about Property POA →

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