In Spain, the inheritance process involves a series of procedures and documents that must be submitted to manage the succession of a deceased person’s assets. Here’s a basic guide to the documents and procedures involved:
- Death certificate: This is the first document needed to initiate the inheritance process. It is obtained from the Civil Registry and certifies the person’s death.
- Will and last wishes: If the deceased left a will, this is a key document that establishes how their assets should be distributed. The will may be in the possession of the deceased, in the Registry of Last Wills, or with the notary who executed it.
- Declaration of heirs: In the absence of a will, or when it does not include all heirs, a declaration of heirs must be made. This procedure is carried out before a notary and requires the presentation of evidence proving who the legal heirs are.
- Death insurance: If the deceased had a life insurance policy, it is important to contact the insurance company to claim the corresponding benefit. The death certificate and possibly other additional documents will be required.
- Personal documentation of the deceased: It is necessary to gather all the personal documentation of the deceased, such as their ID card, passport, property titles, bank accounts, etc.
Once all the necessary documents have been collected, the inheritance process will include tax settlement, acceptance of the inheritance by the heirs, asset distribution, and, if necessary, registration of the assets in the Property Registry. It is advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer specialized in inheritance law to carry out these procedures properly.