The second hurdle is “domicile,” a
very important (and very vague)
concept. You could be resident in
the UK, but a Bahraini domicile. In
which case, very different tax rules
will apply to your estate. Domicile
is largely decided by birth and
nationality but is also decided with
reference to how long you lived in
a certain place, your intentions of
returning to your birthplace, where
you intend to be buried, and many
factors besides.
Another hurdle: even with a sound
Will (and an appropriate Will for the
overseas country in question) and
your executors working effectively
in the UK, will they be able to
deal with the overseas matters?
Some countries have very different
practices and courts systems.
Pragmatically it can be expensive
and exhausting, travelling to and
from the country, as may at times
be necessary.
We have known some clients
become very frustrated with
companies and law firms abroad, in
estates in Spain, Cyprus, Bahrain,
Italy and further afield.
Our advice is to have a separate,
local Will for the assets in that
country, with local, suitable
executors in place that you already
know and trust. The UK assets can
then be left for us to deal with,
giving you peace of mind at home
and abroad.
The Society of Will Writers
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