International probate, wills and cross-border estate planning
Owning assets in more than one country can create significant legal, tax and practical challenges. Different succession laws, inheritance tax regimes and probate requirements can affect how an estate is administered and who ultimately benefits from it.
Our dedicated international and cross-border specialists advise individuals, families, charities and professional advisers on complex international succession, cross-border estate planning and overseas probate matters. We help clients navigate the legal, tax and succession issues that arise when assets, beneficiaries or family members are located in different jurisdictions.
Whether you are a UK resident with overseas assets, an overseas individual with UK assets, or an executor dealing with an international estate, we provide coordinated advice designed to help protect your wishes and simplify the administration process.
International estates often involve multiple legal systems operating at the same time.
We advise:
UK individuals with overseas assets;
foreign individuals with assets in the UK;
executors and beneficiaries involved in international estates;
charities receiving overseas legacies;
solicitors, barristers, notaries public and foreign lawyers on a consultancy basis; and
families with assets, beneficiaries or tax liabilities in more than one jurisdiction.
Issues can arise regarding:
which country's succession laws apply;
whether a foreign will is valid and effective;
inheritance tax exposure in multiple jurisdictions;
probate requirements overseas;
forced heirship rules;
conflicts between legal systems; and
the administration and transfer of assets located abroad.
Without specialist advice, estates can face unnecessary delays, unexpected tax liabilities and disputes between beneficiaries.
Ready to take the next step?
Please complete the form below or email us on internationalestates@knightsplc.co.uk.
“Expert cross-border planning protects your loved ones from costly tax consequences and family discord.”
Daniel Harris, Partner
Administering an estate with assets in multiple jurisdictions can be complex and time-consuming.
We advise executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries on probate and estate administration involving assets throughout the world, helping to coordinate legal, tax and procedural requirements across multiple countries. We can also work alongside trusted overseas advisers where local probate or court procedures are required.
A will that works effectively in one country may not achieve the desired outcome in another.
We advise on the preparation, review and coordination of wills where assets are held in more than one jurisdiction, helping clients understand how different succession laws may affect their estate and their family.
This includes advice on:
overseas property ownership;
cross-border succession planning;
foreign wills and multi-jurisdictional wills;
forced heirship regimes;
family succession arrangements involving multiple jurisdictions; and
protecting intended beneficiaries through effective estate planning.
Tax consequences often differ significantly from one country to another.
We advise on the interaction between UK taxation and overseas tax regimes, helping clients understand potential liabilities, available reliefs and planning opportunities. Our objective is to provide clarity regarding the potential tax consequences of different succession and estate planning arrangements.
Where appropriate, we draw on our established network of trusted international lawyers, including civil-law and common-law advisers across numerous jurisdictions. This allows us to provide coordinated advice while maintaining a single point of contact for our clients.
Our network has been developed over many years and consists of advisers who share our commitment to delivering high-quality, practical and commercially minded international advice.
In addition to international succession and estate planning, we also advise on:
cross-border family law matters;
cross-border dispute resolution;
international powers of attorney; and
succession issues arising from international business and property ownership.
Why choose Knights?
International succession matters require more than an understanding of a single legal system.
Our international and cross-border specialists focus exclusively on helping clients navigate the legal and tax complexities that arise when assets, beneficiaries or family members are located in different countries. By taking a coordinated approach across jurisdictions, we help clients understand their options, reduce uncertainty and plan with confidence.
Where required, we combine UK legal and tax advice with input from trusted advisers overseas, providing a joined-up approach to international estate planning, probate and succession.
Speak to our international and cross-border specialists
If you have overseas assets, are administering an international estate or require advice on cross-border succession planning, our specialists can help.
