Knowledge Base
Distribution of the estate (Spain)
The final stage in the process is where the estate is distributed between the heir or heirs to the estate, a process known as “partición“.
As you might expect, this is a formal stage in the process so an official document called “Escritura de adjudicación (partición) de herencia” (deed of distribution of inheritance) will need to be drawn up.
In some cases, both acceptance and distribution can be formalised in the same document, in which case the document will be entitled “escritura de aceptación y adjudicación (partición) de herencia”. The word “escritura” denotes the involvement of a notary.
Structure of the deed:
- Title
- Identification of the notary
- Identification of the appearing party(ies)
- Representative powers (if any)
- Identification of the deceased; any wills made
- Inventory of the estate (real property, personal property, money, shares, etc.); legacies
- Valuation of the estate
- Tax declarations
- Formal distribution clauses
This is often quite a lengthy document as it needs to cover all of the relevant information for liquidating the estate.
Final comments
Beneficiaries under a Spanish inheritance process will usually need to have a certified translation of this document to prove their entitlement to all or some of the estate. It is only with this formal document that the inheritance process can end and beneficiaries can receive their entitlement(s).
If you need help with formal certified translations of any Spanish wills and probate-related documents, please click the Request a Quote button.
Previous: Acceptance and disclaimer (Spain)
Key terms:
Partición: Distribution / division
Escritura de adjudicación de herencia: Deed of distribution of inheritance
Escritura de aceptación de herencia: Deed of acceptance of inheritance
Avalúo: Valuation (of the estate)
Request a quote
Submit your document online to receive your personalised quotation