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Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 6:22 pm
by sharon1977
Hi, We were very happy with our solicitor when we purchased our house etc however the figures he is quoting for 2 very basic wills seems to be a little pricey, what should I expect to pay ? husband and wife leaving house in Spain (where we reside on a permanent basis to our daughter.

Also I understand that I should be looking to register with a funeral director, do I need to take out some sort of funeral plan to do this ? What companies do others recommend


.....really cheerful subject for a post sorry !!!

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 9:09 pm
by Janjan
Wills have to be signed by a Notary and are not as straightforward as Brutish ones. Look at similar topics on this forum.
A Funeral Plan is a good idea. Takes the stress out of arranging everything .They seem to be a common thing to do by the Spanish. if you take one out make sure it covers the UK as well. Not all do and you may decide to go back at a later date.

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:55 am
by Ron Hill
Can't comment on will as I'm still waiting for my solicitor to do it but his price seemed cheap compared to UK.

I recently took out a funeral plan here as it's very sensible to do so as under Spanish law funerals are dealt with very quickly and usually within a couple of days. I went to Avalon a UK company with an office here I was visited at home by a very nice lady who arranged everything. They do have various plans including repatriation and all plans cover you anywhere in Europe they have an office. I can give you the lady's mobile if you want an informal chat I'm sure she'd be happy to do so. I'll PM the number to you

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:30 am
by mondo
One of the reasons for taking out a plan is that when the inevitable happens you make one call and someone comes around to help with the arrangements

Funeral plans are okay just so long as you think that the company will still be around in 20/30 years time.. after all you are talking about thousands of pounds ..and you would not want to pay twice.

However, they usually say that if the company goes to the wall the money is put in escrow... but could you find it if you needed it quickly and would someone be able to help you make the arrangements..?

An alternative is a life insurance company. If it`s a BIG company it is likely they WILL be around in the future and someone will be able to help you when you need them..

It is a good idea to make plans for the future though..I have seen too many instances where confusion reigns ..
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Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:50 am
by Ron Hill
You're right mondo, problem is the insurance co will not make the actual funeral arrangements and deal with the paperwork as will a plan provider. Which would be a big help to relatives dealing with go to the wall. As I recall in Avalons case I think they they don't actually hold the funds themselves as an additional safeguard.

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 9:32 am
by Omnico
I can recommend Avalon.
Try Alan McLean on 693 512 498.

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:30 pm
by mondo
Ron Hill wrote:You're right mondo, problem is the insurance co will not make the actual funeral arrangements and deal with the paperwork as will a plan provider. Which would be a big help to relatives dealing with go to the wall. As I recall in Avalons case I think they they don't actually hold the funds themselves as an additional safeguard.



Generali insurance will do all the arrangements too....and you only pay a small amount each month.... and if they go broke, you just move on to another provider without losing too much...

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Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 7:47 am
by Beauly
Hi there. Before making any decision, I am sure you will check with other companies, thereafter check on any guarantees they can make. Try looking in some of the forums and read personal experiences. Golden Leaves are also very good. British based. Avalon have so many "ad ons " you need to be careful. It is such a difficult subject to sort out. We found it so helpful on talking to a family who have gone through the heartache of losing a loved one. It made things so much easier. Remember your lawyers fees on sorting out the will afterwords. Can be up to €5000 + by the time you pay inheritance tax, tax in the meterage of land that your house sits on. Bank accounts, most of us have joint accounts. Some banks freeze the accounts in joint names until the executry is sorted out, though most will allow the funds to pay funeral costs etc (that is If you have not pre-paid in full your funeral plan. Please do read as many forums as you can ....

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 9:57 am
by mrchips
If you are thinking of making a Spanish will which is in line with British wills, I would highly recommend "One Way Services" based in quesada opposite the Town Hall. They charge 80 euros per person and are very professional.

Re: Wills and funeral plans

PostPosted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:05 pm
by Millie
I thought I'll just go online and order a brochure from Avalon and and another company for comparison!
What a nightmare 2 hours later after listening to the BBC and reading several forums I'm completely off Avalon. Golden Leaves seem ok but now I don't know what to do bank the money, insurance, funeral plan?