CivilCivil

Before signing the deposit contract (arras), it is worth checking at the Land Registry who owns the property and whether it carries any charges — mortgages, attachments, easements —, that property tax (IBI) and community fees are up to date, and that what has been built matches the Cadastre and the building licence. In developments such as Sotogrande, the by-laws of the conservation entity also matter. We review the paperwork, negotiate the deposit contract and accompany the client through to the deed of sale.

There is no short general deadline to accept an inheritance, but there is one for Inheritance Tax: in Andalusia it must be filed within six months of the death, extendable by a further six if requested within the first five. Before that, the death certificate, the certificate of last wills and the will — or, failing one, a declaration of heirs — must be gathered, the assets listed and the division agreed. We handle the whole process, including when there are heirs or assets abroad.

First, make a written claim that leaves a record — a burofax is usually enough — and set a reasonable deadline for performance. If there is no response, depending on the case you may demand performance or terminate the contract and, in either case, claim damages. We review the contract, calculate what can be claimed and assess whether it is worth negotiating or going to court. The sooner you seek advice, the more options remain.

Yes. Family law is part of the civil area: separation and divorce, by mutual consent or contested, settlement agreements, custody and maintenance, and the division of matrimonial property. When assets or a business are involved, we work on it together with the tax and corporate areas so that the division carries no hidden costs.