A good lawyer ?

[Kate_J]

Can anyone recommend a good lawyer in the Lanjaron area? I am hoping to buy a house there soon and have no idea what to do about choosing a lawyer. Should I go ith a lawyer my estate agent recommends?

[Guest]

Kate

Some generic advice.

1> If you don't speak Spanish and your lawyer doesn't speak English use a professional translator, or at least a fluent Spanish and English speaker to translate for you.

2> Do not necessarily let the estate agent attend and organise your meetings with the lawyer. Spanish law does differ from English law and it is not unreasonable for the estate agent to recommend a lawyer. However be aware that the agent may be a valuable income source for the lawyer and this could cause a conflict of interest.

3> Be aware that it is in the interests of the seller to keep the declared value of the sale as low as possible as this will reduce the tax they are liable for. It is in your interests to declare as much as possible, as this will decrese the tax you may be liable for should you sell at a profit in the future. Make sure your lawyer fights your corner on this point, and doesn't just accept the terms of the vendor.

4> There are a number of incidental costs such as notario fees which can be paid by either the buyer or vendor. Your contract will detail who pays what. Again ensure your lawyer is acting in your interests !

Good luck, Jim

[Guest]

Hello Kate,

Yeah, ditto what Jim said.

Get a lawyer from out of town, say Granada. They all piss in the same pot around here (please excuse the French). You mayl pay more for their services, but you'll come out ahead on the deal.

Scoot