Our Legal Services

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers is an independent Spanish law firm with its office in Jávea and an associated office in Dénia. For more than 30 years we have advised international clients on Spanish property, inheritance and gifts, in English, French and Spanish. Each matter is handled personally by a lawyer, in person in Jávea or entirely at a distance.

PropertyBuying and selling a property in Spain

• BuyingThe legal checks before you commit, the private contract, completion before the notary and registration in your name. See property lawyers on the Costa Blanca.
• Luxury villasLicences, boundaries, pools and extensions checked before any deposit is paid. See buying a luxury villa in Jávea.
• Off-plan and new buildsThe bank guarantee or insurance for every payment, the specifications and the first-occupation licence. See buying off-plan in Spain.
• Fincas and rural landWhat is legally built and what can be done later on rustic land. See buying a rural property.
• SellingThe papers ready before the property is advertised, the contract with the buyer and the formalities for non-resident sellers. See selling as a non-resident.
• Buying with a mortgageA review of the bank’s offer and the mortgage deed before you sign. See mortgages for non-residents.

InheritanceInheriting a property in Spain

• The Spanish inheritanceWhich law applies, the documents the notary needs, the deed of acceptance and the registration in the heirs’ names. See inheritance lawyers in Jávea.
• Without a willWhen the deceased left no Spanish will, the heirs are first declared by a Spanish notary. See dying without a will in Spain.
• Spanish inheritance taxThe Spanish filing on the assets in Spain, within six months of the death; an extension can be requested within the first five months.
• Co-owners after an inheritanceBuying out a co-heir or selling the inherited property. See dissolving co-ownership.

GiftsGifting a property to your children

Passing your property in Spain to your children during your lifetime, before a Spanish notary, with the Spanish gift tax and the registration in their names. See gifting a property in Spain.

From abroadPowers of attorney

Most of our clients never need to travel. With a power of attorney, signed at a Spanish consulate or before a notary where you live, apostilled and translated, we can buy, sell or deal with an inheritance on your behalf. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate. See powers of attorney for Spain.

FamilyDivorce by mutual agreement

When both spouses agree, we prepare the agreement and the divorce in Spain, including what happens to the property here. We only act in divorces by mutual agreement. See divorce by mutual agreement.

By countryGuides for international clients

• United StatesProperty lawyers for American clients and Spanish inheritance for American citizens.
• United Kingdom and IrelandBritish buyers in Jávea and Irish buyers.
• Nordic countriesNorway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
• GermanyBuying a property in Spain as a German citizen.

Frequently asked questions

Do you work outside Jávea?

Yes. From our office in Jávea and our associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca, and with clients who live abroad.

Which languages do you work in?

English, French and Spanish.

Do you advise on the law or taxes of my home country?

No. We are Spanish lawyers and we cover the Spanish side only. For the law or taxes of your country, please consult your adviser there.

How we work

From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property and succession for more than 30 years. We work in English, French and Spanish.

The lawyers who will handle your matter

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meetIn person in Jávea, or 100% remote

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next stepWhat happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.