What is a will and what is it for?
The will is the legal document through which a person—the testator—expresses their will on how their assets and rights should be distributed after their death. It is the only legal instrument that allows you to decide who inherits what and in what proportion, within the limits established by the law. Without a will, the inheritance is distributed according to the rules of intestate succession, which do not always align with the wishes of the deceased. Therefore, making a will is a responsible decision towards your family.Can a will be made online with legal validity?
Yes. Electronic signing before a notary has full legal validity in Spain since the entry into force of the Royal Decree-Law 16/2020. The process is carried out via videoconference with the notary, who draws up the minutes of the granting and registers it in the General Register of Acts of Last Will. The result is identical to that of an in-person will.Steps to make a will online in Spain
1. Preliminary consultation with a specialized advisor
The first step is to analyze your situation: what assets you have, who your natural heirs are, and what you wish to establish. A specialized advisor in succession law will guide you on the best way to draft your will, respecting the legitimate portions and complying with current legislation.2. Gathering the necessary documentation
To grant a will, you will need:- Valid ID or NIE
- Details of the heirs and legatees (full name and ID)
- List of assets you wish to include (optional, although recommended)
- Details of the executor, if you are appointing one
3. Drafting the will draft
The notary or advisor drafts the will according to your instructions. You can specify the exact distribution of your assets, establish conditions, appoint guardians for minor children, or designate an executor to administer the estate.4. Telematic appointment with the notary
Once the draft has been reviewed and approved, a video call is scheduled with the notary. During the appointment, the notary will read the will in full, verify your identity and capacity, and obtain your consent. The entire act is recorded in the protocol.5. Registration in the Register of Acts of Last Will
After the granting, the notary automatically notifies the existence of the will to the General Register of Acts of Last Will. This way, your heirs can find out after your death if you left a will and before which notary.Can I change or revoke my will?
Yes. The will can be modified or revoked at any time as long as the testator retains their capacity to act. The most recent will prevails over previous ones. Therefore, it is advisable to review the will after significant life changes: marriage, children, divorce, or acquisition of new assets.What happens if I die without a will?
If there is no will, intestate succession applies: the assets are distributed according to the order of precedence established in the Civil Code (descendants, ascendants, spouse, collaterals...). This order may not match your wishes. Additionally, the process is more complex and costly, as it requires a Declaration of Heirs Ab Intestato before a notary.Advantages of making your will with Online Notary
- No travel required: the entire process is remote, from anywhere in Spain or abroad.
- Personalized advice: an expert in succession law reviews your case and guides you.
- Full legal validity: the online notarial will has the same value as an in-person one.
- Efficiency: the entire process can be completed in a few business days.