Variations amongst heir and legatee in the Spanish Civil Code. Inheritance Legislation guidance by White-Baos Legal professionals.

Inheritances are not constantly easy procedures and there are many components that can complicate them. The way the will is drafted, the romance between the heirs, disagreement as to the assets that correspond to each and every a single, etc.

Sad to say, will disputes are quite typical. In today’s short article we would like to analyse the major distinctions amongst heir and legatee in Spain. Two figures delivered for in the Spanish Civil Code, with very distinctive regulations and options and which can lead to complicated situations.

To commence with, we will have to make a crystal clear difference in between the two. The heir is the a single that inherits universally. That is, he or she gets all the property and money owed of the deceased. On the contrary, the legatee will only obtain the certain property (a house, a motor vehicle, and many others.) that the testator has remaining him or her in the will.

Can an individual grant a will naming several heirs and, at the very same time, leaving a legacy to a further man or woman? Sure. But it is crucial to bear in brain that not all nations make it possible for their citizens to dispose of their assets at will, as is the scenario underneath British law. In Spain, Belgium, Germany or France (amid other individuals) the regulation reserves a certain part of the property of the deceased to the so-known as ‘forced heirs’. In Spain, this portion or ‘legitima’ is quantified as two thirds of the inheritance. Thus, while the testator may perhaps title as quite a few legatees as he wishes, the portion reserved to the forced heirs cannot be undermined.

What takes place if the legacy is made up of a mortgaged household? Should the legatee be accountable for this credit card debt? No. Legatees are not liable for the money owed of the inheritance. A home finance loan would be regarded a credit card debt of the estate and, as this kind of, it need to be pleased with the assets of the inheritance. Also, the legatee may perhaps claim against the heir if he/she does not settle this debt. Or he/she could pay back the mortgage loan off and assert that quantity from them.

Do the heirs have any way of protecting by themselves against the debts of the inheritance? Yes. In order to stop the possible money owed of the inheritance from affecting their personal property, the heirs have the so-known as acceptance of the inheritance with ‘benefit of inventory’. Having said that, we will leave the explanation of how this variety of acceptance is effective, for a long term write-up.

At White-Baos we have been advising our purchasers in Inheritance Regulation for more than 20

a long time. If you have any doubts about the inheritance approach, how to draft your will, and so forth. make sure you do not be reluctant to speak to us. We will analyze your case and offer you qualified legal information.

You may perhaps be intrigued in the following products and services and articles:

Difficulties with one heir who does not want to agree on the inheritance. Authorized advice.

Inheritances in Spain. What takes place with the rented properties?. Unsettled estate or Yacente

Contest and Obstacle a Spanish Will. New court results. Spanish pressured heirs’ legal rights. Application of Spanish regulation to an expat heir. Legal suggestions

Carlos Baos (Law firm)

White & Baos.

Tel: +34 966 426 185

E-mail: [email protected]

White & Baos 2023 – All Rights Reserved.


Thank you for taking the time to study this report. Do keep in mind to occur back and check out The Euro Weekly Information site for all your up-to-date area and intercontinental news stories. Keep in mind, you can also adhere to us on Facebook and Instagram.