Maja
Lawyer · Blato Korčula, Croatia
- 233 cases handled · 3 in this service
- 5+ years in practice
- Speaks: English
- Law, University of Split
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5.00(8 reviews)
Making a will in Croatia (also a last will and testament, a Croatian will or a will for property in Croatia; in Croatian oporuka, and a will made before a notary is a javna oporuka) is how a person decides who inherits after their death. It is used by foreigners who own a home on the coast or inland, by foreign residents of Croatia and by Croatians living abroad. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Make a last Will & Testament”.
Croatia applies the EU succession rules. In general the estate follows the law of the country where the person habitually lived at death, unless the will chooses the law of the person’s nationality. For a foreigner with a holiday home in Croatia this choice matters: it decides which family members are protected and how the estate is shared. A lawyer explains how a choice of law works together with Croatian real estate.
Some owners have a single will covering everything; others keep their home-country will and add a Croatian one for the Croatian property. Two wills work only when each is worded so that it does not revoke the other. A will valid where it was made is generally accepted in Croatia, but the heirs then need it translated and certified, which slows the probate down.
When Croatian law governs the estate, close relatives such as children and the spouse are forced heirs and keep a share (nužni dio) that a will cannot simply take away. Gifts made during life can count against that share.
A lawyer reviews the family, the assets in Croatia and abroad and any existing will, explains the choice of law, drafts the will in Croatian and English, arranges the signing before a notary or witnesses and its entry in the Croatian Register of Wills. Related pages: inheritance, contest a will, power of attorney and, for couples, prenuptial agreements.
Usually, if it met the formal rules of the place where it was made. The heirs will still need it apostilled and translated, and a separate Croatian will can make their task quicker.
Yes. The notary works in Croatian, and an interpreter takes part so the testator understands every word.
The estate goes to the heirs named by law, as decided in the Croatian probate proceedings.
Joint ownership does not replace a will: on a death, the deceased’s share goes through probate. A will decides where that share ends up.
It can. Where no law is chosen, habitual residence decides which law applies, so a move can change the rules on forced heirs and shares.
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
Lawyer · Blato Korčula, Croatia
Lawyer · Zagreb, Croatia
Lawyer · Zagreb, Croatia
Lawyer · Zagreb, Croatia
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In 2021 my wife and I moved from America to Spain, where we found out that Spanish law required each of us to have a will if one of us died, so the survivor could reach the cash in our Spanish bank accounts. In 2025 we contacted the lawyer to get this done. She speaks good English and carried out the task expertly and efficiently, even joining us at the notary's office to finalize the paperwork. We were so pleased that we also hired her for our Spanish taxes for 2025. They were done perfectly too, and we even received a refund. I would definitely recommend her for any need under Spanish law. The fees were very reasonable and well earned.
She was always very helpful, and I would recommend her.
Professional advice sorted out all my requests; I am very satisfied.
The lawyer was exemplary. A matter concerning a will needed immediate attention during my stay in the country, and he handled the legal review, the notarial consultation and the procurement of witnesses fast, reliably and efficiently, with professional expertise. When you need legal advice in Portugal, he is the person to go to.
The lawyer in Oviedo gave us great service, with a professional and friendly manner. His English is excellent, and he planned everything well, including the help with the notary. Thank you!
The lawyer has helped my family for many years, always fantastic and consistent, with good communication throughout. She is very professional and knowledgeable, and always on hand to answer questions and offer good advice. I would recommend her; she is first class.
What a service! The lawyer is by far the most professional, thorough and helpful lawyer or solicitor I have dealt with, and my international affairs mean I have worked with plenty. When we wanted our wills drawn up, we did not want them under Spanish law. He saw to it that they were prepared and secured under the laws of our home countries and yet fully valid here in Gran Canaria under Spanish law. My wife is 78 and needed to sell her apartment while keeping the right to live in it for the rest of her life (at least 30 years), at an agreed lower rent and with usufruct rights, so that she would get cash from the sale without losing her home. He sorted that out too. He arranged everything, the notary included, and provided us with English translations of the Spanish contract. I cannot stress enough that he was available at any time by phone, email or WhatsApp. He even went through everything with us at the notary's office, and whenever something was unclear or not in our favour, he had it redrafted again and again. His integrity, professionalism and commitment to his clients are the best I have ever met. If you need a lawyer in Gran Canaria who speaks excellent English and keeps cool under the heaviest pressure, he is the one to have beside you. Simply the best is what you get, as the song says. If you fear he will be expensive, there is no need: I paid more in the UK and Germany, among other countries where I needed legal representation. Both my British wife and I have hired him several times by now, and we will always keep returning to him, whatever else comes up. This review is long, I know, but I could say much more about his superb work. If you are not yet convinced, there is nothing more I can say. Until next time, to a legal-knowledge computer on two legs, and a wonderful one!
She was very professional and knowledgeable about the law, and also kind and empathetic when we discussed my options on a very personal point. The assistance was excellent and I would recommend her without hesitation.
The lawyer was personal and professional while writing and filing my Will. She is friendly, and she could advise me on the complexities of a Will in Portugal and on the legal requirements, which differ from those of Australia, where I am a national.
Friendly, patient and easy to understand.
The lawyer handled my request very well, and his English was perfect. I am completely satisfied.
I needed a Will covering my Spanish assets and so returned to the lawyer who had already done an excellent job when we bought our property. She was just as professional this time: she listened to what I needed and then drafted a Will that fitted it. Within days it was all finished, an amazing job. I would gladly use these services again, and without any hesitation.