English Will-Making Services in Nerja and the Eastern Costa del Sol
2025-12-04 09:00
English Will-Making Services in Nerja and the Eastern Costa del Sol
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the mountains, Nerja is one of the most beautiful towns in southern Spain. With its whitewashed streets, sea views, and international community, it has become a favourite for British and European expats who decide to make Spain their permanent home.
Yet one important detail often overlooked by expats settling here is the need for a Spanish will written in English, a document that ensures your wishes are clearly understood and legally recognised in Spain.
At Callaghan Financial Services, we help expats living in and around Nerja, Frigiliana, Torrox, Torre del Mar, Almuñécar, and Vélez-Málaga prepare their wills with confidence. We personally assist you throughout the process, from discussing your wishes to preparing and signing your will with a Spanish notary, all in clear English, at a straightforward and affordable price.
We are not solicitors, but we have extensive experience supporting expatriates with will preparation, estate organisation, and coordination with Spanish notaries. Everything is handled with professionalism, care, and complete confidentiality.
Why You Need a Will in Spain Many expats assume that their UK will automatically covers their Spanish property, but this can cause serious complications later on. Spain follows a system known as forced heirship, which can automatically divide your estate among certain relatives, even if that’s not what you intended.
Creating a valid will in Spain helps you:
Choose who inherits your assets, rather than letting Spanish default law decide.
Simplify the inheritance process for your family and avoid unnecessary delays.
Ensure your estate is managed under your chosen law (for example, English law).
Protect your property, savings, and investments across both countries.
It’s one of the most responsible and caring decisions any expat can make.
English Will-Making Services in Nerja and the Eastern Costa del Sol At Callaghan Financial Services, we make the process of preparing your will in Spain simple and stress-free. We assist English-speaking clients living in Nerja, Frigiliana, Torrox, Torre del Mar, Almuñécar, and surrounding towns, helping ensure their wills are properly written, registered, and legally valid.
Our service includes:
A friendly consultation to discuss your wishes and explain your options.
Preparation of your will in English, with a Spanish translation if needed.
Coordination of your notary appointment for signing and registration.
Support with official registration at the Spanish Wills Registry in Madrid.
You’ll always know what each document means and what each step involves, everything is explained in plain English.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in Spain? Our English will-making services start from €100 for a straightforward individual will.
That includes:
Personal guidance and preparation.
English-language documentation.
Coordination of the signing appointment.
For more complex estates, for example, if you own several properties or have multiple beneficiaries in different countries, we’ll provide a clear, tailored quote before proceeding. Transparency and simplicity are at the heart of what we do.
Understanding the Legal Framework Spanish inheritance law differs from UK law. In Spain, your estate can be automatically divided according to forced heirship rules, which may not reflect your personal wishes.
However, the EU Succession Regulation (EU 650/2012) allows British citizens living in Spain to choose the law of their nationality, meaning you can elect for English law to govern your estate.
This important declaration must be included in your will, and we’ll ensure it’s clearly stated so your intentions are fully respected.
Our Step-by-Step Process We make it as smooth and straightforward as possible for you to prepare your will:
Initial Consultation
We begin with an informal chat, either in person or online, to discuss your wishes, your family circumstances, and what assets you hold in Spain and elsewhere.
Preparation of the Draft
We prepare your will in English (and, where required, Spanish) according to your instructions.
Review and Final Adjustments
You review the draft, and we explain everything line by line so there are no surprises or confusing legal terms.
Signing Before a Notary
We arrange a convenient appointment with a local Spanish notary and assist with the process to ensure everything is done correctly.
Registration for Security
Your signed will is officially recorded with the Spanish Central Wills Registry in Madrid, giving you complete peace of mind.
From start to finish, we’re by your side, offering reassurance and clear guidance every step of the way.
Areas We Cover Our will-making service extends throughout the eastern Costa del Sol, including:
Nerja
Frigiliana
Torrox
Torre del Mar
Almuñécar
Vélez-Málaga
Competa
La Herradura
Sayalonga
If you live or own property anywhere along this stretch of coastline, we can assist you directly, whether it’s a main home, holiday apartment, or investment property.
Why Expats Choose Callaghan Financial Services We’re proud to provide a personal, English-speaking service trusted by expats across southern Spain. Clients choose us because we offer:
Personal attention: We help you directly, not through intermediaries.
Everything in English: No language barriers, no confusion.
Clear, affordable pricing: Wills start from just €100, with no hidden fees.
Local experience: We understand how Spanish systems work and how to ensure your will is fully compliant.
Support beyond the paperwork: We’re here to answer questions and guide you at every stage.
Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign, and we make sure it’s handled with care, clarity, and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a Spanish will if I already have a UK one? A: It’s strongly recommended. A UK will may not automatically apply to your Spanish assets. Having a separate Spanish will helps avoid potential delays and conflicts between the two legal systems.
Q: Can I choose English law for my estate? A: Yes. Under EU Regulation 650/2012, British citizens can choose English law to apply to their will. We’ll help ensure that declaration is properly included.
Q: Is the will written in English or Spanish? A: We prepare it in English and, where required, arrange for a Spanish version to be signed before a notary. Both versions reflect the same content.
Q: Can married couples make a joint will? A: In Spain, each person must have an individual will, but they can be drafted to mirror each other.
Important Legal Notice Callaghan Financial Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We assist clients in preparing and organising their wills and coordinate with registered Spanish notaries for signing and registration. All legal formalities are completed under the supervision of qualified notaries in Spain.
Contact Us If you live in Nerja or the surrounding areas and would like to make sure your estate is secure and your wishes are respected, we’re here to help.