Mums left a house not in her name

[tomtom2]

Dear Forumistas,

I have a massive problem and would like some impartial advice. My mother was a resident living in Spain and she unfortunately passed away recently. I am the direct and only heir. Her wishes were to leave me her house but we can find no will and no paperwork for the house. The first problem is the house was never put in her name going back 20 years I just don't know where to start. Any advice on steps I should take would be greatly appreciated.

Paperwork I have found so far:

contract for the purchase of house list the deposit paid
copy of the escrtitura
architects plans for the extension work my parents had done
electricity bill in my mothers name
water bill in previous owners name

Immediate problems to solve
Outstanding IBI tax not paid for a few years

Any post is appreciated

Thanks

Tim

[costakid]

I am sure if your mother made a will it can be traced. All wills are available via Madrid. You will need the help of a solicitor. Sorry for your loss.

[tomtom2]

Thanks costakid appreciate your thoughts

[tjtops]

Firstly, very sorry to hear your sad news.
Secondly....you MUST get a good -- and I mean good -- lawyer; a few do exist in Spain. And please, don't listen to the barrack-room variety who usually hang out in bars and always know everything about everything ......there's way too much at stake.
All the very best of luck....

[tomtom2]

hi tjtops,

y i totally agree, but "I" feel the need to be "doing"

Gathering information, finding out about outstanding taxes council fees, registering my entitlement to inheritancy.

I need to give my lawyer as much information as I can and don't quite know where to start.

But I appreciate your comments and am on high alert!

[tjtops]

I genuinely wish you all the very best of luck!
All I would add though is that really, you MUST get someone who knows and understands the system (and how to work it!).....it is a jungle where not even most of the Spanish officials really know what they're doing!!! Most things can be 'worked round'....but only if you speak to/know the right people and go about it the right way -- head on as an individual isn't usually it!
It couldn't be more different to the way things are done -- and the law upheld/enforced -- in UK!! (And I'm qualified to speak about that, lol, having experienced both!!!)

[costakid]

Where is the property? Someone may be able to recommend a good solicitor.

[scampicat]

I can recommend an excellent lawyer in Granada province if that is any help.

[gus-lopez]

As costakid has said if one or /both your parents made a Spanish will then they are all held centrally in Madrid & can be accessed by a lawyer.

[Pelican Soup]

Hi Tim,

A bit more info would be helpful...you say the property was never put in her name...In whose name is it?

Was in your fathers name and he pre-deceased your mother ?

Pelican Soup