Many UK couples who move to Spain and buy a house together are completely unaware that on the death of the first spouse, ownership of the property does not automatically transfer to the surviving partner. Spanish Inheritance Tax (the rates for which can rise to over 80% of the inheritance) must be paid within six months of the death occurring, before ownership can pass to the surviving spouse or other inheritors.

Similarly, many people automatically assume that even if they move abroad that their UK life insurer will still cover them. Sadly this is not always the case and many people do not realise until they claim that their cover has been invalidated. These are just two of the many instances showing why it is essential to take professional advice on all your financial interests once you move to Spain, regardless of whether you have residency in the UK or elsewhere.

Javea based John Hayward of The Spectrum Group, an internationally licensed and regulated firm of Independent Financial Advisors, has been advising expatriates both locally and in the surrounding areas of Moraira and Denia, drawing on considerable professional experience in the UK and from colleagues who have resided and worked in Spain for many years. John specialises in helping expatriates living in Spain to protect and enhance their wealth and offers a free, confidential overview of a client's financial affairs before offering any recommendations.

Clients are under no obligation to accept any recommendation. However, should you decide to proceed, you can rest assured that you will be offered the best and most up to date independent advice, and that all necessary legal procedures will also be taken care of to provide you with complete peace of mind.

Other services offered include:

• Investing for income
• Life assurance
• Saving for retirement
• Spanish Inheritance Tax reduction
• Mortgage service
• UK Inheritance Tax planning
• Pension advice
• Health insurance
• Education planning

The Spectrum Group in Spain: Baskerville Advisers S.L. CIF B-63/137.020. Correduria de Seguros: Domiciliada. Paseo de Gracia 64, 3o, 3a, 08007 Barcelona No de registro RDGS J2306; Seguro responsibilidad civil AIG Europe No. 0131900503. 1330. Registro Mercantil de Barcelona, Tomo 35489, Folio 170, Seccion 8, Hoja B-269534