In recent years, donations have become increasingly common in Spain, particularly among close family members such as spouses, children, or parents. While donations are generally irrevocable, the Spanish Civil Code provides specific circumstances under which revoking a donation or gift is possible. One of the less widely known but legally established grounds is the ingratitude of the donee. In this article explores this possibility in detail.
Types of Donations and Formal Requirements.
Before diving into the legal grounds for revocation, it is worth briefly recalling what a donation involves and its main forms. Donations or gifts can take several shapes: simple donations, where the donee receives full ownership immediately; conditional donations, where certain obligations must be met; donations with reserved rights, where the donor retains specific powers to dispose of the property. Etc.
In all cases, our readers must remember that gifts or donations must be formalized in a notarized deed if the donee wants to claim the tax benefits available.
Revoking a donation or gift due to Ingratitude.
Article 648 of the Spanish Civil Code sets out the three main causes for revocation based on ingratitude:
-. Committing a crime against the donor: Donees may be considered ungrateful if they commit a criminal act against the donor’s person, honour, or property. Importantly, Spanish courts interpret this broadly. Acts such as psychological abuse, harassment, or even physical harm can justify revocation, even if no criminal conviction exists. The key is a behaviour that seriously offends or harms the donor. In other words, what matters is demonstrable wrongdoing, rather than a prior criminal sentence.
-. Imputing a crime to the donor: If the donee accuses the donor of a crime or initiates legal proceedings against them with the intent to harm, the donation can also be revoked. This provision does not cover mere reporting of crimes, which is a legal obligation. It targets deliberate actions that misuse the accusation to the donor’s detriment.
.- Denying food or maintenance: If the donee unjustifiably denies necessary support to the donor, this may constitute grounds for ingratitude. The donor must show actual need and that the refusal was deliberate.
The grounds for revocation are strictly limited (numerus clausus), meaning they are only those expressly provided by law. However, the offer important protection for donors who face serious misconduct by a donee.
Practical considerations. Is the revocation of donation or gift automatic?. Deadline.
No. Revocation is not automatic; the donor must initiate legal action. The statute sets a one-year deadline for bringing a revocation action, which begins to run from the moment the donor becomes aware of the donee’s ingratitude. It is also worth noting that if the donee cannot return the gifted property as it was, the donor may claim its monetary value. A gift revocation will not affect third parties who acquired rights in good faith before the revocation claim, ensuring the protection of their legitimate interests.
Conclusion.
Although donations are generally intended as irrevocable gifts, Spanish law allows them to be revoked in cases of serious ingratitude. At White Baos Lawyers, we specialize in helping clients navigate complex legal situations as revoking a donation or gift, drawing on years of experience in civil law, family law, and inheritance matters. Do not hesitate to contact us, today.
The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.
Carlos Baos (Lawyer)
White & Baos.
Tel: +34 966 426 185
E-mail: info@white-baos.com
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