Wills & Succession · Gibraltar
Find wills lawyers in Gibraltar for estate and succession matters
Gibraltar has its own legal system based on English common law, with succession governed by the Wills Act 2009 and the Administration of Estates Act 1933. We connect you with solicitors and barristers of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar who handle wills, probate and inheritance claims. Tell us your situation and we will match you with a lawyer who fits your needs — free of charge.
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- Experience with the Wills Act 2009 and probate
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Wills and succession in Gibraltar
Why you need a wills lawyer in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own Constitution, Parliament and courts. Its law is based on English common law and local legislation, and succession is governed by the Wills Act 2009 and the Administration of Estates Act 1933. If you need to make a will, administer an estate or bring a claim for reasonable financial provision, wills lawyers in Gibraltar can guide you through the process. The legal profession is fused: solicitors of the Supreme Court may also act as barristers, so the same practitioner can advise and represent you. We match you with a solicitor or barrister who handles wills, probate and succession matters. Tell us about your situation and we will connect you with the right lawyer — free of charge.
Local law in Gibraltar
How succession and wills work in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has its own legal system, separate from the United Kingdom, based on English common law and local statutes. Succession is governed by the Wills Act 2009 and the Administration of Estates Act 1933, with specific rules for intestacy. Understanding the local courts and limitation periods is essential when dealing with an estate.
The Gibraltar legal system
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own Constitution (the Gibraltar Constitution Order 2006), Parliament and courts. Its law is based on English common law, the rules of equity and statutes of general application, adapted by local legislation. The highest court of appeal is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, not the UK Supreme Court.
Wills and intestacy
Succession in Gibraltar is governed by the Wills Act 2009 and the Administration of Estates Act 1933. On intestacy, the estate is distributed under the rules in section 51 of the Administration of Estates Act 1933. A valid will ensures your wishes are respected and can simplify the administration of your estate.
Claims against an estate
Certain family members and dependants may apply to the court for reasonable financial provision out of an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act (Act 1977-15), which is modelled on the English Act of 1975. Such applications must generally be brought within six months from the date representation is first taken out (section 6).
The legal profession in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has both barristers and solicitors of the Supreme Court. Under section 29(2) of the Supreme Court Act, a person admitted as a solicitor ‘shall be at liberty to act also as a barrister’. In practice, many practitioners hold a dual capacity, which means the same lawyer can advise you and represent you in court.
Court structure and fees
The Supreme Court of Gibraltar exercises civil, family and chancery jurisdiction, including probate matters. Court fees are set out in Schedule 6 to the Supreme Court Rules 2000 and vary with the amount claimed. Legal fees are not fixed by statute; they are agreed between lawyer and client. Legal aid may be available for those who qualify.
Key time limits — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Claims to the personal estate of a deceased person | 12 years from the date the right to receive the share or interest accrued | Succession: claims to a deceased person’s personal estate. |
| Application for provision out of an estate | 6 months from the date representation with respect to the estate is first taken out | Inheritance: claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act. |
Data compiled from official Gibraltar sources, including the Government of Gibraltar and Gibraltar legislation, current as of 2025.
Common concerns
Facing uncertainty about wills and succession in Gibraltar?
Many people find Gibraltar’s separate legal system confusing, especially when cross-border elements are involved. Here are some of the challenges we hear about.
Complex cross-border succession
If you own assets in Gibraltar and another country, differing succession rules can create conflict. A local lawyer can help you navigate the interaction between Gibraltar law and foreign law.
Unclear deadlines for claims
Inheritance claims in Gibraltar must generally be brought within six months of representation being taken out. Missing this deadline can bar your claim, so timely advice is crucial.
Cost of legal services
Legal fees in Gibraltar are not fixed by statute and are agreed with your lawyer. Without clear guidance, it can be hard to budget for probate or a succession dispute.
How we help
Why use our matching service for wills lawyers in Gibraltar
We simplify the process of finding the right legal expert for your needs.
Specialised in Gibraltar law
We match you with lawyers who practise in Gibraltar and are familiar with the Wills Act 2009, the Administration of Estates Act 1933 and the local courts.
Fused profession advantage
Because solicitors in Gibraltar may also act as barristers, the lawyer we match you with can often handle both advice and court representation.
Free and confidential
Our matching service is free of charge and your enquiry is confidential. You only pay your lawyer’s agreed fees if you decide to instruct them.
Fast response
We aim to respond within 24 to 48 hours and connect you with a suitable lawyer so you can move forward with confidence.
Other countries
Wills lawyers in other European countries
We also help clients find specialised lawyers in these jurisdictions:
Frequently asked questions
Questions about wills and succession in Gibraltar
What is the role of wills lawyers in Gibraltar?
Wills lawyers in Gibraltar advise on making a will, administering an estate, and handling succession disputes. They can draft your will, apply for probate, and represent you in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Because solicitors may also act as barristers, the same lawyer can often handle both advisory and court work.
How does succession law work in Gibraltar?
Succession in Gibraltar is governed by the Wills Act 2009 and the Administration of Estates Act 1933. If you die without a will, your estate is distributed under the intestacy rules in section 51 of the Administration of Estates Act 1933. A valid will ensures your wishes are followed.
What deadlines apply to inheritance claims in Gibraltar?
Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act, applications for reasonable financial provision must generally be brought within six months from the date representation with respect to the estate is first taken out. Missing this deadline can bar your claim, so seek legal advice promptly.
Can a solicitor in Gibraltar also act as a barrister?
Yes. Under section 29(2) of the Supreme Court Act, a person admitted and enrolled as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar ‘shall be at liberty to act also as a barrister’. In practice, many practitioners hold a dual capacity, which is a notable difference from England and Wales.
How much does a wills lawyer in Gibraltar cost?
Professional fees for barristers and solicitors in Gibraltar are not fixed by statute or a public tariff; they are agreed between lawyer and client. Court fees are set out in Schedule 6 to the Supreme Court Rules 2000 and are payable in addition. Legal aid may be available for those who qualify.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Gibraltar?
If someone dies intestate in Gibraltar, their estate is distributed according to the rules in section 51 of the Administration of Estates Act 1933. This may not reflect their wishes. To avoid uncertainty, it is advisable to make a will with the help of a qualified lawyer.
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