Updated: May 2026
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers drafts Spanish wills for American citizens with property in Dénia (Alicante province, Costa Blanca — Marina Alta). 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. Partner office in Dénia for in-person notary appointments.
Why a U.S. Citizen with Property in Dénia Should Have a Spanish Will
A Spanish notarial will (testamento) covering your Spanish-situs assets in Dénia is the most efficient estate-planning step for international property 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 Dénia 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 Dénia
Spanish Notarial Will — Drafted Bilingually (English / Spanish)
We draft a bilingual testamento covering your Spanish-situs assets (your Dénia property, Spanish bank accounts, vehicles). The will is executed before a Dénia 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 Dénia
The Spanish notarial will is signed before a Spanish notary. If you are visiting Dénia we attend with you at a local notary; otherwise we arrange the appropriate procedure via consular channels or during your next trip.
What a Spanish Will Avoids for Your Heirs
- No need to import a U.S. probate order, with apostille and sworn translation, just to access your Dénia 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 Dénia 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 Dénia
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. Coordination with your U.S. estate attorney is part of the work.
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 a Dénia will?
30+ years drafting bilingual notarial wills for international clients across the Costa Blanca, with offices in Jávea and Valencia and a partner office in Dénia. 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, with a partner office in Dénia.
