Inheritance and succession

Lawyers specialising in inheritance and succession in Inca, Mallorca

At Autonell Abogados, we offer comprehensive legal advice on inheritance, succession, wills and the division of estates , supporting clients from their initial queries right through to the final distribution of assets. An inheritance is not merely a matter of paperwork: it often involves significant financial decisions, tax deadlines, delicate family relationships and the need to correctly interpret the wishes of the deceased. Our aim is to ensure that every heir has a clear understanding of their rights,

Our aim is to ensure that every heir has a clear understanding of their rights, obligations and options before making any decision. That is why we examine each case on an individual basis, reviewing the available documentation, the existence or otherwise of a will, the composition of the estate, any potential debts, the family situation and the legal and tax implications of accepting, renouncing or distributing an inheritance.

Legal services in inheritance matters

The firm handles both straightforward inheritances and more complex cases, particularly where there are disagreements between heirs, property, family businesses, estates spread across different locations, or doubts regarding the validity of a will. Our experience in civil and inheritance law enables us to handle each case with legal rigour and a practical approach aimed at avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

• Declarations of heirs where there is no will.
• Interpretation and execution of wills.
• Acceptance, renunciation and allocation of inheritances.
• Division of estates amongst several heirs.
• Claims for statutory shares and inheritance rights.
• Disputes between heirs or beneficiaries.
• Advice on debts, encumbrances and inherited property.
• Acting as an administrator in distribution proceedings.

Clear processing and close support

One of the main concerns for those facing an inheritance is not knowing where to start. In many cases, clients arrive at the office with scattered documents, incomplete information or doubts about what steps to take. From the very start, we organise the file and explain the procedure in an understandable way, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon and setting out a clear roadmap.

We review death certificates, certificates of last wills and testaments, wills, deeds, simple registry extracts, bank accounts, insurance policies, tax documentation and any other necessary elements to correctly determine the estate. From there, we analyse the position of each interested party and propose the most appropriate course of action to reach an effective solution.

The priority is for the client to be able to make informed decisions, with legal certainty and a full understanding of the consequences of each step.

Uncontested and contested inheritances

Where there is agreement amongst the heirs, the legal work focuses on properly preparing the partition, coordinating the documentation and avoiding errors that could lead to future problems. A poorly planned distribution can lead to conflicts regarding registration, tax or assets, so it is essential that the distribution is well structured from the outset.

Conversely, where there is no agreement, a more strategic approach is required. Disputes may arise over the valuation of assets, the use of an inherited property, the administration of accounts, the existence of previous gifts, the allocation of liabilities or the possible infringement of statutory inheritance rights. In such cases, we seek negotiated solutions wherever possible, but we also prepare the client’s legal defence should it be necessary to take the matter to court.

1. We analyse the documentation and the client’s legal position.
2. We identify the points of conflict or deadlock.
3. We propose a negotiation or claim strategy.
4. We defend inheritance rights through out-of-court or legal proceedings.

The role of the partitioner

Vicente Autonell Aebi has experience as a partitioner , a role of particular importance in certain inheritance cases. Their function is to carry out the partition and distribution of the estate’s assets in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, the will and the applicable regulations. This role can prove very useful when the testator has wished to facilitate the distribution or when there are situations requiring a technically orderly distribution.

The work of the partitioner requires legal knowledge, practical judgement and particular attention to the correct valuation of the estate. At Autonell Abogados, we approach this type of assignment with professionalism, independence and respect for the rights of all parties involved.

Pre-emptive inheritance advice

In addition to acting after a death has occurred, we also advise people who wish to plan their estate whilst still alive. Good estate planning can prevent family disputes, reduce uncertainties and ensure the transfer of assets is organised in a clearer manner. To this end, we examine the client’s personal and financial circumstances and advise them on the most appropriate options.

• Drafting and reviewing wills.
• Family succession planning.
• Organisation of real estate and joint assets.
• Prevention of disputes between future heirs.

In matters of inheritance and succession, sound legal guidance from the outset can make all the difference.