Published April 2025 · 8 min read · By International Inheritance Spain
Los Angeles is home to a large and diverse community with ties to Spain and Latin America. For LA-based families dealing with a Spanish inheritance, managing the process from the Pacific Coast across nine time zones to Spain requires coordination — but it can be done entirely remotely.
Spain is nine hours ahead of Los Angeles (Pacific Time). This means that for urgent matters — especially near the six-month deadline — you should factor in that Spanish offices, notaries and the tax authority are operating when LA is asleep. We manage all Spanish-side communications during Spanish business hours and relay updates to you at a time convenient for you.
Los Angeles-based heirs can grant a Spanish power of attorney at the Spanish Consulate General in Los Angeles — at 5055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 860, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Alternatively, a California notary can witness the signature, which is then apostilled by the California Secretary of State and accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation.
If the deceased had California assets as well as Spanish assets, California probate may be required for the US estate. Spanish inheritance administration is a separate process and runs in parallel. California does not levy a state estate or inheritance tax, but US federal estate tax applies to worldwide estates above the federal exemption for US citizens and domiciliaries.
Spanish ISD applies to Spanish-located assets. California residents can claim the same regional reductions as Spanish residents — a very significant advantage for heirs of Andalucían property (near-zero effective tax for direct relatives). We calculate your exact Spanish tax liability as the first step.
All Spanish inheritance documents are in Spanish. We provide full English translations of all key documents — the deed of acceptance (escritura de aceptación de herencia), the inheritance tax return (modelo 650/660), and all correspondence with the Spanish Land Registry and banks. You always know exactly what you are signing.
The six-month deadline is strict. The sooner you contact us, the more options you have.
We guide international families through the entire process — in English, remotely, with fixed fees. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.