When someone dies, before their estate can be settled, the family first needs to answer one basic question: did this person leave a will, and if so, where is it? In Spain, that answer comes from a document called the certificate of last will acts.
This certificate confirms whether the person made a will, and if they did, which notary holds it. Without it, the heirs have no official way to know where to look.
When and how to request it
The certificate cannot be requested straight away. Spanish law requires a wait of 15 business days from the date of death before applying, to allow time for any will to be registered. You can then apply online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN, in person, or by post. Processing takes around 5 business days for online applications and 10 for postal ones.
Once the certificate confirms a will exists and names the notary, the heirs can go directly to that notary and request an official copy of the will. That copy is what lets them move forward with settling the estate. If the certificate will be used outside Spain, it will also need an apostille or other form of legalisation.
