For many expatriates and overseas property owners, having assets in more than one country can create unexpected legal and administrative complications if proper planning is not in place.
Thousands of British citizens now own property in the Canary Islands while retaining financial interests, investments or family connections in the UK. While this lifestyle offers many advantages, it can also create challenges when it comes to wills, inheritance and property ownership.
One of the most common issues arises when people assume that a single will automatically covers all of their assets worldwide.
According to CJH Consultancy, individuals with assets in both countries should carefully review their arrangements. In many cases, separate UK and Spanish wills may be appropriate to ensure assets in each jurisdiction are dealt with correctly.
The company has expanded its support for clients with Spanish interests through a working relationship with Temis & Co., a Spanish law firm with offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
This collaboration enables clients to obtain guidance on Spanish wills, powers of attorney, probate matters and property transactions while maintaining coordinated support through CJH Consultancy.
Property purchases in Spain can involve a number of administrative and legal requirements that may be unfamiliar to overseas buyers. These include obtaining an NIE number, opening a Spanish bank account, reviewing contracts, verifying ownership and ensuring there are no outstanding debts attached to a property.
Clients may also require assistance with powers of attorney, allowing legal representatives to act on their behalf during transactions where they cannot be present in person.
For expatriates already living in Spain, estate planning can be particularly important. Situations occasionally arise where assets remain in the UK but no valid UK will exists. This can create significant delays when beneficiaries attempt to administer an estate or obtain probate.
By planning ahead and ensuring appropriate documentation is in place in both countries, many of these difficulties can be avoided.
CJH Consultancy regularly assists clients who own property, hold investments or have family interests spanning both the UK and Spain. From wills and inheritance planning to property purchases, sales and probate matters, the aim is to help individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border ownership with greater confidence and clarity.
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