Updated: May 2026
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers drafts Spanish wills for American citizens who own (or are buying) property in Altea (Alicante province, Costa Blanca — Marina Baixa) and across the southern Costa Blanca. We have been doing this since 1992 — over 30 years of experience. Our lawyers are registered with the Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Valencia (ICAV) and serve in English and French. 72+ verified 5★ Google reviews. Initial consultation free.
Why a U.S. Citizen with Property in Altea Should Have a Spanish Will
A Spanish notarial will (testamento) covering your Spanish-situs assets in Altea is the most efficient estate-planning step for international owners. Without one, your heirs typically have to import a U.S. probate order or letters testamentary into Spain — apostilled, sworn-translated and reconciled with Spanish notarial procedure. That delays the Altea notary appointment, the Modelo 650 filing and the Land Registry transfer. A Spanish will dovetails with your U.S. estate plan and keeps each system clean within its own jurisdiction.
Our Wills Service for U.S. Citizens in Altea
Spanish Notarial Will — Drafted Bilingually (English / Spanish)
We draft a bilingual testamento covering your Spanish-situs assets (your Altea property, Spanish bank accounts, vehicles). The will is executed before a Spanish notary and registered with the Registro General de Actos de Última Voluntad (the Spanish Central Wills Registry), so your heirs can locate it instantly.
Choice of Law under EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV)
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, a non-Spanish national can elect their national law to govern their succession in Spain. For U.S. nationals this allows the choice of the U.S. state of which you are a citizen (where applicable). We include the choice-of-law clause correctly so your testamentary wishes are respected.
Coordination with Your U.S. Estate Plan
We draft so the Spanish will and your U.S. will/trust do not conflict — typically by limiting each to the assets in its own jurisdiction. We advise only on the Spanish side and coordinate with your U.S. estate attorney to avoid inadvertent revocation.
Practical Mechanics in Altea
The Spanish notarial will is signed before a Spanish notary in or near Altea. If you are visiting we attend with you; otherwise we arrange the appropriate procedure via consular channels or during your next trip to the Costa Blanca.
What a Spanish Will Avoids for Your Heirs
- No need to import a U.S. probate order, with apostille and sworn translation, to access your Altea property or your Spanish bank.
- No conflict between your U.S. estate plan and Spanish interpretation (the choice of U.S. law under EU 650/2012 controls).
- Faster notarial acceptance of the Altea estate when the time comes.
- Cleaner filing of Spanish Inheritance Tax (Modelo 650 — Comunidad Valenciana regime) because heirs are clearly identified.
We do not commit to fixed timelines — each will is shaped by your specific assets, family structure and U.S. estate plan.
Frequently Asked Questions — Wills for U.S. Citizens in Altea
Do I need a Spanish will if I already have a U.S. will?
Not strictly — but having one tailored to your Spanish-situs assets dramatically speeds up and reduces the cost of your heirs’ procedure in Spain. It is the single most effective estate-planning step for U.S. property owners on the Costa Blanca.
Will my Spanish will revoke my U.S. will?
Not if drafted correctly. We draft so the Spanish will limits itself to Spanish-situs assets and preserves the U.S. estate plan for U.S. assets.
Can I choose U.S. state law in my Spanish will?
Yes — under EU Regulation 650/2012 a U.S. national can elect U.S. (state) law to govern their Spanish succession, included as a choice-of-law clause in the Spanish notarial will.
Why work with Tomas Ballestero Lawyers for an Altea will?
30+ years drafting bilingual notarial wills for international clients across the Costa Blanca, with offices in Jávea and Valencia covering Altea and the Marina Baixa. Lawyers registered with the Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Valencia (ICAV). Services in English and French. 72+ verified 5★ Google reviews. Initial consultation free.
Contact Us — Free Initial Consultation
We will review your Spanish-situs assets and your U.S. estate plan and propose a clean Spanish will that dovetails with them. Languages: English and French. Offices: Jávea and Valencia, covering Altea and the wider Costa Blanca.
