Talking about inheritances is entering a true labyrinth of legal limits. Unlike other countries, our Civil Code does not allow total freedom: the legitimate freedom, the third reserved by law for children, is a barrier that cannot be broken. However, within the third of free disposition, affection is gaining ground over kinship. Consuelo is a clear example of this. This 71-year-old woman has decided that her estate should be named after her pet: Mulan.
This Spanish woman is not experiencing a family war. With two open heart surgeries, a defibrillator and two metal valves, he has made a decision that has surprised many people. “My son is a charming person and very fond of animals. I’m not crazy, everything is consensual, talked about and he, fortunately, doesn’t need it,” she explains during the program. And now Sonsolesfrom Antena 3, when asked about this decision.
This is a forecast for the future. His son, with an intense work life, would not be able to dedicate the time to Mulan that the dog requires. “I don’t want to leave that position to my son,” he says.
The ‘burdened legacy’
In Spain, animals do not have legal personality. That is, Mulán cannot sign before a notary or hold a bank account. However, the reform of the Civil Code of 2022, which recognizes animals as ‘sentient beings’ and not as mere objects, has opened new avenues.
Consuelo has protected the future of her companion of 12 years through a foundation and the figure of the executor. As detailed, Consuelo’s money and property will go to a protector with the legal obligation to care for Mulan.
Upon the dog’s death, the funds will go directly to the Animal Rescue Foundation. “I can’t leave it in her name because she is not a natural person, but I can give it to a foundation, and everything is done in accordance with the law,” the woman clarifies.
Far from what you might think, this is not an isolated case. According to data from the INE, in Spain there are more pets than children under 15 years of age. This demographic change is changing offices. And the fact is that the protectors, who often survive without public subsidies, have become the great heirs of a generation that values animal loyalty. For her, the will is the last act of coherence of a life dedicated to caring for those who live for others without expecting anything in return.