International Inheritance & Probate Lawyers
Dealing with inheritance matters across borders can be complex. Whether you're planning your estate or managing the estate of a loved one, international inheritance and probate laws vary significantly from country to country. At Judicare, we are a UK-based firm of specialist international lawyers with decades of experience helping clients manage legal matters abroad.
Our expert team and trusted partners across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond can support you with everything from drafting a foreign Will to handling the probate process overseas. We ensure every detail is taken care of and provide clear, practical guidance throughout.
At Judicare, we can provide support with:
- Advice on overseas inheritance laws
- Making a foreign Will
- International inheritance tax planning
- Foreign Powers of Attorney
- Applying for and obtaining probate/administration in another country
Contact our specialist lawyers for international inheritance & probate today
If you require legal assistance with inheritance or probate involving foreign assets, our approachable and experienced solicitors are here to assist.
Call us on 01438 840 258 or contact us online.
How Judicare can help
We regularly support individuals and families dealing with overseas inheritance and estate administration. Whether you're looking to plan your estate or are managing the affairs of a loved one, we provide tailored advice every step of the way. Our work includes helping clients understand how foreign inheritance laws will apply to their assets, ensuring you can make informed and effective decisions.
We assist with the drafting of Wills that align with international legal standards, ensuring your wishes are clearly set out and recognised in the relevant jurisdictions. For those concerned about the financial implications of passing on foreign assets, we offer practical, up-to-date advice on managing cross-border inheritance tax liabilities.
When personal attendance abroad is not possible, we help prepare Foreign Powers of Attorney, allowing a trusted individual to act on your behalf overseas. We also provide end-to-end support with estate administration and the probate process in other countries, working closely with our network of international legal professionals to ensure everything is handled smoothly, lawfully, and with minimal stress for you.
Our UK-based team coordinate with our experienced local partners to ensure seamless communication and legal compliance across borders. This collaborative, structured approach gives you peace of mind and helps avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
What we offer
Advice on overseas inheritance laws
Inheritance laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. In some countries, forced heirship rules apply, meaning you may not be free to leave your estate to whomever you choose. Our team will explain which rules apply to your situation and help you make informed decisions about how to protect your assets and loved ones.
If you are dealing with a loved one’s estate, we can also advise on the foreign rules that apply and what steps are required to manage or transfer assets abroad.
Making a foreign Will
Relying solely on a UK Will may not be sufficient when you own property or other assets in another country. In many jurisdictions, local laws may override or ignore provisions made in foreign Wills.
Creating a Will in the country where your assets are located ensures your wishes are respected and the probate process runs more smoothly. We offer clear, expert guidance on when a foreign Will is advisable and how to create one that aligns with your wider estate planning.
Learn more about our foreign Wills service.
International inheritance tax planning
Inheritance tax rules differ greatly between countries. Without the right planning, your estate could face significant tax liabilities, reducing what your heirs ultimately receive.
We help clients plan ahead, using our knowledge of international tax laws to ensure estates are structured efficiently. Our goal is to help you minimise the tax burden while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.
Where necessary, we work with specialist international tax advisory firms.
Foreign Powers of Attorney
Travelling abroad to deal with legal matters is not always practical. A Foreign Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage these affairs on your behalf within the relevant jurisdiction.
Foreign Powers of Attorney often differ significantly from those used in the UK, granting broader powers and responsibilities. It’s vital that these documents are carefully drafted. Our team ensures the document is tailored to your needs and legally valid in the country concerned.
Applying for and obtaining probate / administration in another country
Administering an estate that includes overseas assets can be complicated. Each country has its own rules, paperwork, and timescales. We help executors and beneficiaries navigate these systems, working with local professionals to apply for and obtain probate or estate administration abroad.
From submitting documents to communicating with local authorities, we handle the process from start to finish, making things as straightforward as possible during a difficult time.
We can assist with probate in a range of jurisdictions, including:
Frequently asked questions about international inheritance & probate
What specific countries do you have experience with for estate administration?
We regularly assist clients with inheritance and probate matters in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and the United Arab Emirates. Our network of trusted local lawyers ensures that you receive accurate, country-specific legal advice.
How does the international probate process typically differ from a domestic one?
International probate often involves additional complexity due to foreign language documents, different legal systems, and varying inheritance laws. Unlike the UK, many jurisdictions require separate probate processes for assets located in their country. We manage these requirements to reduce the burden on you.
What is the expected timeline for administering an estate with assets in multiple jurisdictions?
Timelines vary depending on the countries involved and the complexity of the estate. Some jurisdictions have more bureaucratic processes than others. Our role is to coordinate all parties efficiently, helping to reduce delays wherever possible.
Can you assist with validating a foreign Will or enforcing a local grant abroad?
Yes. We can help ensure that a foreign Will is recognised in the relevant country and that UK probate documents are accepted abroad. Where necessary, we liaise with local professionals to complete additional requirements such as translations, legalisations, or court applications.
Contact our specialist lawyers for international inheritance & probate today
If you require legal assistance with inheritance or probate involving foreign assets, our approachable and experienced solicitors are here to assist.
Call us on 01438 840 258 or contact us online.
We can also arrange a free no obligation teleconference via Zoom/Skype.
Getting in touch with us means we can understand your individual circumstances and talk through your concerns and goals. Together, we’ll then agree on the right strategy and work towards the solution that’s best for you.