A guide to the law in Spain
FAQs:
What is the role of a notary in Spain?
How does a power of attorney work in Spain?
Where do I get a power of attorney that is valid for Spain?
What is The Hague Apostille?
A notary in Spain has a more elevated role than in the UK or USA; they do much more than just verify signatures. To gain the title of notary requires years of additional studies. At the closing, the notary takes over, acting on behalf of both parties to make sure that the transaction is proper and agreed to.
How does a power of attorney work in Spain?
A power of attorney done in Spain in front of a Spanish notary grants the authorised officer to act as your legal representative with full efficacy within the area of powers granted in any country world-wide. The efficacy is such that, in Spain, even though the power of attorney has been revoked, unless the deed granting power of attorney is not withdrawn, the authorised officer may continue to act on your behalf (or to your detriment). For this reason it is important to define specifically the powers granted and find out about their respective effects. Strong Abogados can advise you about these points, and let you know the steps to follow to obtain international legitimization if you want the document to be effective outside Spain (The Hague Apostille).
Where do I get a power of attorney that is valid for Spain?
A power of attorney may be validated by a notary in Spain, by a notary at the Spanish Embassy, or by Spanish notaries outside of Spain.
What is The Hague Apostille?
The Hague Apostille allows a public document from one country to be recognized as a valid document in another country, among countries that have signed the Hague agreement. This is done by having an authority affix a stamp on the document to certify its authenticity. Anybody who has a public document that needs to recognised in another country can apply to have them affixed with The Hague Apostille. In Spain, an Apostille can be given by a notary, judge, or by the Spanish Consulate.