Writing a will is something we should all consider doing at some point in our lives. An increasing number of people now own a holiday home overseas or other property abroad and consideration needs to be given as to the best way to include these in your will. In this article, leaving foreign property in a will, we take a look at these issues in more depth and describe the mechanics of how best to include them in your will.
Free Initial Telephone Discussion
For a free initial discussion on how we can help you create your Will and ensure your foreign property is included, get in touch with us today. We will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help ensure your final wishes are accurately recorded and also avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.
Does my UK Will already include foreign property assets?
There are two types of property to consider, “moveable” and “immovable”. “Moveable” property is a property that can be moved around such as personal belongings, cash, stocks, shares and vehicles. “Immoveable” property, as implied by the name, is property that can’t be moved around such as buildings and land.
When it comes to what is included in your will, moveable property is normally included in your UK Will and immovable property will be subject to the inheritance laws of the country it is located within.
If you have an existing Will that states that it covers your overseas assets, you must check this very carefully as inheritance laws differ from country to country and as such you may not be allowed to leave your property to whomever you wish.
Do I need to write a will in a foreign country?
As mentioned above, inheritance laws can vary from country to country. As a result, in order to ensure your overseas property is included in your will, it will be necessary to create an additional will in the country where the property is located. You should seek legal advice locally for this.
Will my foreign Will affect my UK Will?
It is not uncommon for a UK will to contain a clause that revokes previous wills. If this clause is present in your UK will, it is likely to have the effect of revoking your foreign Will. Accordingly, it would be prudent to create a new Will and ensure your solicitor is made aware of your overseas Will so as to ensure neither is accidentally revoked.
How we can help
We have a proven track record of helping clients draft their wills to include foreign property assets. This includes relatively straightforward estates and also complex estates where assets are held all over the world. We will guide you through all the necessary legal due diligence in a comprehensive and timely manner. We firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting.
How to Contact our Wills and Probate Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of writing your will. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring your final wishes are met as you would want them to be.
To speak to our Wills and Probate solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or allow a member of the team to get back to you by filling in our online enquiry form. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
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