# Do I need a lawyer to handle an inheritance in Spain? When yes and when not

> You don't always need an inheritance lawyer in Spain. When it is mandatory, what a tax adviser can do instead and what each option costs.

Most people start by searching for an «inheritance lawyer in Spain». The short answer: if there is no dispute, Spanish law does not require a lawyer to handle an inheritance. What you do need is someone who does it properly and on time. Here is when you need a lawyer, when you don't, and what each option costs.

## What does not require a lawyer

None of these steps requires a lawyer when the heirs agree:

- Death, last-will and insurance certificates
- The declaration of heirs when there is no will: it is done before a notary
- Inventory, valuation and distribution between heirs who agree
- Inheritance tax and municipal capital-gains tax
- The deed of acceptance before a notary and the land-registry filing

## When you do need a lawyer

You need a lawyer when the inheritance goes to court:

- Court partition because the heirs cannot agree
- Challenging a will, or defending one
- Claiming a forced share or disputing a disinheritance
- Taking a tax assessment to court (not required in the administrative appeal stage)

## Your options and what they cost



- Doing it yourself: no fees, but costly mistakes with deadlines, valuations or tax reliefs are common, especially from abroad
- Tax and estate planning firm such as Concordia: the whole inheritance for 1% of the estate, with a fixed written quote
- Inheritance lawyer: usually between 2% and 10% of the estate, or hourly; essential if there is a court case
- In every case, notary, land registry and taxes are paid separately

## How Concordia works

Concordia is a tax and estate planning firm, not a law firm. We handle complete inheritances when there is no dispute (the vast majority) and help heirs reach an agreement. If the case goes to court, we put you in touch with lawyers we work with and keep handling the tax side.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a lawyer mandatory to accept an inheritance in Spain?

No. Acceptance and distribution are signed before a notary, and the notary does not require a lawyer.

### How much does an inheritance lawyer charge in Spain?

It depends on the firm: usually between 2% and 10% of the estate, or an hourly rate. At Concordia the complete process costs 1% of the estate, with a fixed written quote.

### Can I switch professionals halfway?

Yes. We review what has been done and continue from there, without repeating steps that are already correct.

Updated: 2026

## Contact

- Phone and WhatsApp: +34 609 165 277 (https://wa.me/34609165277)
- Email: info@concordiasucesiones.com
- Address: C/ del Miracle 15, 46003 Valencia (Spain)
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xNjcfmNy6nYsNiFP7
- Website: https://concordiasucesiones.com/en
- Languages: Spanish, English and French
- Hours: WhatsApp at any time; in-person and online appointments
- Company: Concordia Sucesiones, S.L. (CIF B05695101)

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Web version: https://concordiasucesiones.com/en/guias/necesito-abogado-para-una-herencia