A while ago a couple came to me, whom I have known for years and regularly assist them with all kinds of management matters. They had decided to move to Spain and start a B&B there.

I had to arrange some matters for them in the Netherlands regarding the management of their home and other real estate. This was then organised by setting up a management agreement in which we were authorized to take care of the maintenance and management of their property and to arrange the rental in consultation with an estate agent.

In passing, it was also discussed that the wife’s mother was a strong lady in herself, but needed help with her administration, tax returns and other management matters. The wife took care of all this as she was the only child. She also often accompanied her mother to the doctor, etc. She suddenly realized that this would be very difficult if they were in Spain.

While talking, I pointed out to her that her mother can use a living will to arrange for someone in the Netherlands to help her with management of her personal matters and, if necessary, also with healthcare matters. You can arrange this in such a way that the daughter is mentioned as the primary responsible person and that she authorizes someone who, in principle, arranges current affairs in the Netherlands. The lady had not come up with this idea. The conclusion was that she would discuss this with her mother and suggest possibly to appoint a representative from my office in a living will.

This was ultimately arranged and the couple now lives in Spain and we have been appointed for both the couple’s real estate and other management matters, and in the living will of the wife’s mother as an authorized representative for personal management matters and any health matters. Of course, the final responsibility remains with the couple!

Ton, (Wettelijke) Vertegenwoordiger/Beheerder.