Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Money matters

Find financial and money-saving discussions including debt and pension chat on our Money forum. If you're looking for ways to make your money to go further, sign up to our Moneysaver emails here.

Mum in strife. Oh dear, might be long....

3 replies

MummyPenguin · 02/02/2007 11:18

I wonder if anyone could give me some advice about my Mum's legal situation. She and my Stepdad have been married about 23 years. They are on the verge of splitting up. He's always been a difficult man to live with, he shouts and screams at her, is abusive and insulting. Until recently, they were living in Spain, they have two properties there.
Mum came over here in September to be with her Sister who was dying. They are currently living in a bungalow here which they own. Following Mum's Sister's death, Mum had a stroke, so her health has been bad. She now realises that she can't live with this man any longer and wants out. However, he is saying that he 'wants everything' and doesn't want to give her half. I think he's relying on a loophole in Spanish law, of which I'm not too clear on the details. However, as my DH pointed out, they never actually registered as Spanish Citizens. All their money and health affairs continued in the U.K. So, DH thinks that my Stepdad may come unstuck with his 'getting everything' plan. Is he right?

Mum and Stepdad own 5 properties, two in Spain, three here, two of which are rented out. Mum says that everything has to be sold which could take years. My Stepdad is refusing to move out of the Bungalow that they're currently in, which may be fair enough, as it's half his. Mum's going to get some legal advice real soon, but in the meantime, doesn't know what to do, and is really really down. I'm worried for her, particularly given her health situation. Anyone able to offer any useful comments or advice?

OP posts:
Kbear · 03/02/2007 10:12

My only advice is to get a lawyer here with experience of the Spanish legal system - the law society will be able to help you.

English lawyers can't advise out of their jurisdiction but they might have offices in Spain or an affliation with one. Investing in good legal advice now will save your mum losing what she is entitled to.

Freckle · 03/02/2007 10:37

Get your mum to go to a solicitor and start divorce proceedings. I'm assuming that they were married here and therefore, if she starts divorce proceedings here, English law should prevail when it comes to dividing any assets. Obviously the sale of the Spanish properties will be subject to Spanish law, but the proceeds of sale should be dealt with within the divorce proceedings.

She does need prompt legal advice though.

MummyPenguin · 03/02/2007 20:14

Thanks for that. Will pass it on.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread