hi new to this site
I have a house in spain joint ownership with my wife ,we were both nonresident,my wife passed away last month ,just want to know what I need to do ,we have English wills but not spanish I had power of attorney when we bought the house 5 years ago.
any advice would be appreciated
many thanks john

jaymic - 29 May 2010 09:01 PM

hi new to this site
I have a house in spain joint ownership with my wife ,we were both nonresident,my wife passed away last month ,just want to know what I need to do ,we have English wills but not spanish I had power of attorney when we bought the house 5 years ago.
any advice would be appreciated
many thanks john

  not with anyone else just want to know what I have to do on the legal side

Ok you need legal help - the death certificate has to be shown to a notary and papers signed to update the house in the local land registry. It is best, despite this being a difficult time for you, to arrange this sooner rather than later. You will also need to make arrangements with your bank regarding joint accounts etc.

Don’t forget the British Consulate can help you

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/death-registration

thanks for that rob will I need to get the will translated into spanish ? THANKS JOHN

I don’t think Spanish recognise a British will - Spanish law says that the property passes to the legally married survivor but things can vary region to region you must take professional legal advice.

yes correct, best to go straight to a lawyer