Focus SWW Autumn 2016 | Page 8

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 .