Inheritance law. Judgement, strategy and results.

Six months from the date of death. Within the first five months you may request a further six-month extension, which accrues interest but avoids surcharges. The return must be filed even if no tax is due; without it, assets cannot be registered and bank accounts are not released.

In Catalonia the forced share is one quarter of the computable estate (value of assets at death, less debts and expenses, plus gifts made in the previous ten years), divided equally among the children. It is a monetary claim that the heir may pay in cash or in assets, accrues statutory interest from the date of death and is time-barred after ten years.

There are ways to move forward without unanimity: a notarial demand with a deadline, a formal request to accept or renounce, appointment of a partitioner, inventory proceedings and, ultimately, judicial division of the estate. The choice depends on the real reason for the deadlock and the composition of the estate.

Yes, with benefit of inventory: you will be liable for debts only up to the value of the inherited assets. In Catalonia it is enough to formalise the inventory before a notary within six months of learning of your entitlement. Before accepting in any form, it is wise to investigate charges, loans, guarantees and tax debts.

A will may be challenged for lack of testamentary capacity, for defects of consent (deceit, violence, intimidation) or for formal defects, and its interpretation may also be disputed. Medical and witness evidence must be gathered as early as possible, and the position of the other heirs assessed.

For tax purposes the minimum is the cadastral reference value; if the market is below it, this must be evidenced by an appraisal. Among heirs, the valuation is agreed or set by an expert, and determines allocations, cash equalisation and any sale. A poorly framed valuation increases the tax bill and blocks the division.

Yes. We work with clients across Spain and abroad by video conference and digital signature, and coordinate with correspondent firms where there are assets or heirs in other countries. If the deceased was resident in Catalonia, the succession and the tax are governed by Catalan rules regardless of where you live.

At the first consultation we review the documents and give you a reasoned opinion on viability, deadlines and cost. If you decide to proceed, you will receive a written, phased quote set out in the engagement letter. We take no action without your prior approval.