When an estate includes assets in more than one country, working with lawyers in different jurisdictions can be a normal part of the administration process. An executor might be dealing with a house in England, a bank account in Spain and investments elsewhere, for example. One lawyer may not be qualified to deal with every part of that estate. GOV.UK explains that personal representatives are responsible for dealing with the money, property and possessions that form part of the deceased’s estate, and that they can obtain professional legal help where needed.
Why Might More Than One Lawyer Be Needed?
Inheritance and probate rules vary around the world. Different countries can have their own rules governing succession, taxes, and the authority required to access or transfer assets.
Lawyers in different countries might deal with:
- Probate or the local equivalent
- Property owned by the deceased
- Bank accounts and investments
- Local inheritance or estate taxes
- Translations, apostilles and other documentation
- Transferring assets to beneficiaries
In some cases, a foreign grant may be required. In others, an existing grant can be recognised or resealed, depending on the countries involved. If an overseas grant needs to be used in England and Wales, our probate resealing service explains how the process works. Where an estate includes property in England and Wales, GOV.UK provides guidance on when a foreign grant may need to be resealed or when a UK grant may be required.
Keeping a Cross-Border Estate Coordinated
Having several lawyers involved doesn’t mean the executor has to manage completely separate processes with no communication between them. A solicitor dealing with one part of the estate can work alongside lawyers, notaries and other professionals overseas. Cross-border probate specialists commonly coordinate with foreign advisers so that the different parts of the administration can progress together.
This can be particularly useful when paperwork issued in one country is needed in another or when tax and probate requirements overlap. The executor still has responsibility for administering the estate, but they don’t have to become an expert in the laws of several different countries. Getting the right professional involved in each jurisdiction can make an international estate much easier to manage. You can also find more information about international probate and dealing with estates that have assets in different countries.
Read more information on resealing, what countries recognise UK probate and managing UK share portfolios. Explore our latest guides for practical advice on wills, probate applications and executor safeguarding.
International probate can be complex, but the right guidance makes a significant difference. For expert support, contact UK Probate Reseals on 020 8150 2010.
