Ibiza is home to countless foreign-owned villas, holiday properties, and long-term residents. When a loved one passes away, inheritance issues often arise — especially when foreign heirs are involved. If you’re facing a conflict over property, will interpretation, or asset division in Ibiza, this article will guide you through how to resolve inheritance disputes as a foreign heir under Spanish law.
📜 1. Why Inheritance Disputes Happen in Ibiza
Common situations include:
-
Multiple wills (foreign and Spanish)
-
Children or partners excluded from the estate
-
Property passed improperly to third parties
-
Lack of clarity in the will or testament
-
Claims of fraud, coercion, or diminished capacity
📌 Disputes are especially frequent when foreign families own high-value Ibiza villas or land.
⚖️ 2. Which Law Applies — Spanish or Foreign?
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, inheritance is governed by:
-
The law of the deceased’s habitual residence, unless
-
The deceased chose another country’s law in their will (e.g. UK, Germany)
⚠️ If Spanish law applies, forced heirship rules must be respected:
-
Children are entitled to two-thirds of the estate
-
Spouses have usufruct rights (lifetime use of property)
-
Heirs can challenge the will if these rules were ignored
🧾 3. How Inheritance Litigation Works in Ibiza
Legal procedures include:
-
Judicial division of inheritance (división judicial de la herencia)
-
Challenges to will validity (fraud, coercion, mental incapacity)
-
Disputes over valuation or asset location
-
Claims by disinherited heirs
📌 Inheritance disputes are handled by the Juzgados de Primera Instancia de Ibiza (Eivissa).
🌍 4. Can Foreign Heirs Litigate from Abroad?
Yes — most cases are handled remotely. You’ll need:
-
🪪 Passport and NIE
-
📜 Copy of the will (Spanish and/or foreign)
-
🪦 Death certificate
-
📄 Property or bank records
-
✍️ Power of attorney for your lawyer
-
🧾 Translations (if not in Spanish)
✅ Your lawyer in Ibiza will represent you in court and handle all formalities.
👨💼 5. How Borderless Lawyers Helps You
We support foreign heirs by:
-
Connecting you with Ibiza-based inheritance litigation experts
-
Reviewing wills and planning legal strategies
-
Preparing all documents and POA forms
-
Coordinating sworn translations and court filings
-
Communicating clearly in your language
📩 Conclusion & CTA
If you’re being excluded from an inheritance, or you suspect something is wrong with a will involving Ibiza property, take action. Spanish courts protect heirs — and with the right lawyer, you can defend your rights without ever stepping on a plane.
👉 Need help with an inheritance dispute in Ibiza?
Contact Borderless Lawyers — we’ll connect you with a qualified litigation expert who represents foreign heirs in Spanish courts.