OVERSEAS
ASSETS & PROBATE
Summer has come to a close, and we’ re starting to put our holidays behind us. More and more of us have properties abroad, often in Europe and even further afield. As luxurious and rewarding as these are, they do of course come with a lot of administrative strings attached.
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The Society of Will Writers
The first hurdle is whether you can leave your property as you wish. Some countries( for example Germany) have“ forced heirship” rules which determine how property is to be divided or inherited. This often applies to“ immoveable” assets, that is to say, land; but some countries also apply this concept to money and liquid assets as well. So your Will could try to give your overseas assets to your son, but only in vain hope, because in truth the property needs to pass to your spouse.