Dennis Phillips

Dennis Phillips

Partner

Private Client

Dennis specialises in Cross-border private client advice to internationally connected families (with a strong Anglo-Spanish focus)

Dennis advises on complex cross-border private client matters where families, assets and advisers span multiple jurisdictions.

An England and Wales qualified solicitor, Dennis advises on succession, property ownership and the administration of estates where more than one country is involved. He has a well-established practice across the UK and Spain, including the administration of estates involving Spanish assets, Will writing for Spanish estates , the restructuring of Spanish property ownership, particularly transfers within families and special situations involving Spanish property, where legal, practical and family circumstances need to be carefully balanced, and a clear view taken on the appropriate course of action.

His role often requires careful judgement beyond the application of law alone. Where legal systems do not fit neatly together, matters require careful handling to move things forward. Dennis acts in a co‑ordinating capacity, working with fiduciaries, notaries, lawyers and tax & finance professionals in the UK and internationally to manage sequencing and expedite the process.

He is also experienced in capacity-related matters, including the use and cross-border recognition of Powers of Attorney, and in situations where legal, practical and family considerations need to be balanced.

Dennis studied Law and Spanish Law at the University of Kent, including a year at the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao, and qualified in 2002. He has significant international experience beyond the UK and Spain, including matters across Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Known for a measured and practical approach, Dennis is often brought in where matters have stalled or are difficult to progress, and require a structured approach to restore momentum.

 

Experience

Cross-Border Divorce and Spanish Property

Advised a European couple divorcing under foreign law on transferring a share of jointly owned Spanish property. Structured the transfer to save the client a substantial amount in Spanish transfer tax. Prepared supporting Spanish Powers of Attorney for execution in London.

Strategic Anglo-Spanish Inheritance Tax Planning

Implemented a targeted adjustment to the inherited shares of Spanish property governed by England and Wales law, delivering a five-figure inheritance tax saving for a UK-resident widow and daughter.

Complex Executor Guidance for International Beneficiaries

Advised a professional executor on the preparation of sworn declarations enabling Ukrainian sisters to inherit their late uncle’s Spanish property, where the original named beneficiary under an English Will had predeceased.

Coordination of Multi-Jurisdictional Estate Administration

Coordinated English and German legal advice to satisfy Spanish inheritance requirements, ensuring that German beneficiaries received specific legacies from a substantial estate under a will proved in England & Wales.

What our clients say:

“Strategic advice on complex Spanish debt issues delivered with clarity and speed”

Zoe Fleming TEP

“Dennis brings exceptional insight to estate planning for Spain. Advice is always comprehensive and pragmatic.”

Emma Carr TEP, Shakespeare Martineau

“Clear and practical advice on inheritance and sale of property in Spain. An incredibly smooth process from start to finish.”

Laura Priestley TEP, Temple Heelis

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