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?
Not entirely. Law 11/2023 of 8 May allows certain notarial documents to be executed by videoconference (powers of attorney for specific acts, company incorporations, credit policies, payment receipts), but wills are excluded from that list: a will may only be executed by videoconference during a declared epidemic with mandatory lockdown. The will itself must be signed in person before the notary. Everything else can be done online: the consultation, the drafting and the booking of an appointment at a notary office near you. That is what we do at Notaría Online. We prepare the will with you and arrange the signing with a licensed notary in your city. The notary then registers the will in the General Register of Acts of Last 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. In-person signing before the notary
Once the draft has been reviewed and approved, we book an appointment at a notary office near your home. During the appointment, the notary will read the will in full, verify your identity and capacity, and obtain your consent. Signing takes about 20 minutes and the original stays in the notary's 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
- A single trip: the consultation, the draft and the appointment are handled online; you only visit the notary office on signing day, and we choose one near you.
- Personalized advice: an expert in succession law reviews your case and guides you.
- Full legal validity: the will is executed before a notary and registered in the Register of Acts of Last Will.
- Efficiency: the entire process can be completed in a few business days.