Our Experience Engaging a Spanish Lawyer (Abogado)
This opinion is expressed from our personal experience when engaging a Spanish lawyer. Tanash Utamchandani, in relation to our property matter. It reflects our understanding of events at the time.
We were introduced to Tanash through a trusted acquaintance who had been dealing with her own legal situation. Based on that recommendation, we arranged an initial meeting.
Initial Meeting and Proposed Approach
Our first meeting took place in a café in La Zenia rather than in a formal office setting. While this was different from what we were accustomed to. We proceeded with the consultation and outlined our situation regarding our property purchase.
During that meeting, the lawyer suggested a legal strategy that included initiating proceedings against both the developer and the lawyer involved in the original purchase. This approach did not align with our objective, which was to have outstanding works completed and the necessary documentation provided to obtain the habitation certificate.
Despite these differences, we agreed to proceed and were quoted a fee of €1,200.
Progress of the Engagement
Following the initial meeting, arrangements were made for a visit to the local town hall to clarify certain administrative responsibilities. The lawyer later advised that he was unable to attend that meeting, and we proceeded independently with the assistance of a translator.
We made staged payments of the agreed fee over the following months. During this period, we were informed that formal communications, including a burofax and exchanges with the developer’s legal representatives, had been issued. However, we did not receive copies of these documents during the course of the engagement.
Communication was primarily by email, with occasional phone contact. From our perspective, updates were limited, and we did not have visibility of supporting documentation that would allow us to assess progress.
Change of Representation
After several months, we decided to appoint a different legal representative. A request was made through our new lawyer for any documentation relating to the work carried out. At that point, communication was directed through legal representatives.
As we did not have access to documentation relating to the actions described to us, we were unable to independently verify the extent of work completed on our behalf.
Outcome and Next Steps
Based on our experience, we decided to raise our concerns through the appropriate professional body in Spain. That process is ongoing.
This account reflects our personal experience and the information available to us at the time. It is not intended as a statement of fact regarding any individual’s conduct, but rather as part of our broader experience navigating legal and property processes in Spain.
Read our Story – Moving to Spain and Building a Home – Our Experience with AMAY Properties