How to deal with foreign assets left in a Will


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More people than ever are leaving assets in foreign countries when they die, making administration of their estate more complex. We look at some of the main considerations.

One of the first questions to be answered is which country was the permanent home or country of domicile of the deceased.

If you are domiciled in the UK, Inheritance Tax is payable on your assets wherever they are located. If you are domiciled elsewhere then you may be liable for Inheritance Tax on your UK assets as well as tax payable in other countries.

All of the assets in the estate need to be valued. At this stage, approaches can be made to foreign asset holders to ask what they need from the executor, such as a certified copy of the death certificate or Grant of Probate.

Foreign property ownership

A Will made in the UK may specifically refer to foreign property, or alternatively there may be a Will made in the country where the property is located.

If there isn’t a Will at all, then the property would pass under the rules of succession that apply in the country where the property is.

Other assets held abroad

Other countries may require to see the UK Grant of Probate which would sometimes be resealed in that country. Alternatively, it may be a requirement that probate is also obtained in the country where the asset is held.

Why you need expert advice for foreign assets

Administering an estate which includes foreign assets can be lengthy and complicated. The best way to ensure things go as smoothly as possible is for anyone with foreign holdings to seek legal advice in drawing up the relevant Wills to cover all of their assets.

Some countries may have laws which clash with those of the UK, for example in France and Spain, where property may pass to specific heirs regardless of the terms of any Will.

Finding out the situation well in advance and undertaking estate planning in the light of the different laws can make a huge difference to the executor or administrator of a Will.

When it comes to dealing with the administration of an estate containing foreign assets, it is advisable to take advice from lawyers in the country where the assets are held to ensure that their laws and tax requirements are not breached.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert Will and tax lawyers, ring us on 01276 415835/6/7. 


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