Yes — you can refuse an inheritance in Tenerife if you do not want to accept the property, debts or responsibilities that come with it. This is more common than people think, especially when there are loans or maintenance costs.
Why Someone Might Refuse an Inheritance
- The property has debts attached
- Community fees or repairs are too expensive
- Multiple heirs disagree about what to do
- The property is in poor condition
- The heir lives abroad and does not want the responsibility
How to Refuse an Inheritance
You must make an official declaration at a Spanish notary. This is called “repudiación de herencia.” It cannot be done informally or by email.
You Can Refuse Only Part of an Inheritance
For example, you can refuse a timeshare or debts but accept property. However, this requires legal guidance because partial refusal is not always allowed depending on your country’s inheritance system.
If you refuse the inheritance, it passes to the next legal heir (another child, sibling or parent). You cannot choose who receives it instead.
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