Could anyone have envisaged the rapid changes on the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months. In 2009 we thought we had seen the difficult times yet they continued with avengence and this year has been a real struggle for most.
For those who tell us otherwise we are sceptical, although there are a small number of businesses flourishing in difficult times.
The sad part is that divorce and separation are on the increase. This is often caused by financial issues and if a couple are experiencing a particularly difficult financial time then a marriage can often take its toll.
There are the usual reasons for separation unconnected to finance and this will always be the case.
Despite the number of times we have written about Wills there are still those who refuse or do not consider it necessary. How wrong they are. It causes distress to those around them in the event of death and in some instances it is impossible to obtain probate.
Estate Transfer can be straightforward if what is needed has been anticipated. However, many families are left with what can only be described as a mess because no thought has been given to the consequences. There is often tactical planning required to minimise Inheritance Tax, something which is often disregarded or misunderstood. We have seen beneficiaries lose thousands because no careful planning was made.
With the Spanish financial climate being as difficult as it is, this has hampered business growth and property purchases.
The banks have been unable to lend money in the way previously known. One client was informed by their bank when they enquired about a mortgage. Sorry but we have no money!
The question of Residency continues to be a problem for people. Many think they are a resident yet they fail to understand that they actually have to tell Spain that they are here - they then wonder why Spain will not accept that they are residents.
Conversely there are many property owners who do not reside in Spain who do not appreciate that they need to do a Non Residents Tax Return and then wonder why they have been fined for the failure.
As with many issues failure to understand does not excuse the situation.
Car transfers have been particularly difficult this year. With many expats returning they have sold their vehicles, probably in all inocence but the right paperwork has not been completed. This leaves two problems, firstly the vehicle is still in the name of the original owner and secondly the new owner can never get title because they have no idea where the seller is.
It is likely that the problems for the expats will continue in 2011 but just a little thought and understanding of the spanish system would go a long way to preventing some of the problems faced.
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