In an increasingly globalised world, many individuals own property, have assets, or maintain family connections in more than one country. Ensuring your wishes are carried out across borders can be complex — that’s where an expertly prepared international will becomes essential. The Law Firm Group’s specialist solicitors are here to provide trusted, tailored legal advice on international wills, ensuring your estate is protected and your loved ones are supported, wherever they are in the world.
Why You Might Need an International Will
International wills are crucial for anyone with assets, property, or beneficiaries located outside the UK. Typical situations include:
- Owning holiday homes or investment property abroad
- Having bank accounts, investments, or business interests in multiple countries
- Dual or multiple nationalities
- Family members or intended beneficiaries living overseas
- Planning to retire or relocate outside the UK
If you find yourself in any of these scenarios, a standard UK will may not adequately address the complexities of your international estate. Different countries have varying inheritance laws, tax regimes, and requirements for the recognition of wills. Without the right legal guidance, your estate could become tied up in lengthy, expensive disputes or fail to be distributed as you intended.
The Complexities of Cross-Border Estate Planning
Dealing with assets in more than one jurisdiction brings unique challenges. Issues such as forced heirship laws, differing definitions of property ownership, and conflicting succession rules can all complicate matters. For example, some countries automatically allocate shares of your estate to certain relatives, regardless of your wishes. Others may refuse to recognise a UK will unless it meets specific local requirements.
These complexities highlight the importance of seeking expert legal advice from solicitors who understand both UK and international inheritance law. The Law Firm Group’s team has extensive experience in advising clients on cross-border estate planning, ensuring your will is valid and effective both in the UK and abroad.
What Is an International Will?
An international will is a legal document designed to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes across multiple countries. It may take the form of a single will that covers all your assets, or a set of coordinated wills — one for each relevant jurisdiction. The key is ensuring that all documents work together and do not inadvertently revoke or contradict one another.
International wills are often prepared in accordance with the Convention Providing a Uniform Law on the Form of an International Will 1973 (known as the Washington Convention), which sets out minimum standards for the form of such wills. The UK is a signatory, as are several other countries, but many major jurisdictions are not. This makes it vital to receive legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances and the countries involved.
Our Process: How The Law Firm Group Supports You
Initial Consultation
Your journey with The Law Firm Group begins with a confidential consultation. Our solicitors take the time to understand your unique situation — including your assets, family structure, nationalities, and the countries involved. We listen carefully to your concerns and goals, providing clear, practical guidance from the outset.
Review and Assessment
We conduct a thorough review of your existing wills (if any), estate structure, and relevant documentation. Our expert solicitors assess the legal requirements of each jurisdiction where you hold assets or have beneficiaries. This ensures that your international will is not only legally valid in the UK, but also compatible with the laws overseas.
Tailored Legal Advice and Drafting
The Law Firm Group provides straightforward, jargon-free advice on the best approach for your circumstances. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a single international will, or a suite of coordinated wills for each country. We draft precise, robust documents to ensure your wishes are carried out, minimising any risk of disputes or confusion.
Coordination with Overseas Advisors
Where necessary, we can liaise with trusted legal professionals in other countries to ensure your estate planning is fully aligned. This seamless coordination means your UK will does not unintentionally revoke or conflict with a local will abroad, and that all inheritance and tax implications are carefully considered.
Signing and Storage
Our solicitors guide you through the formal signing process, making sure your international will meets the strict requirements for validity. We also offer secure storage facilities, so your documents are protected and easily accessible when needed.
Common Issues and How We Help
Many clients worry about assets being frozen, lengthy probate delays, or unintended tax liabilities. Others are concerned about their will being disregarded or contested in a foreign country. With The Law Firm Group, you benefit from proactive legal services designed to anticipate and address these challenges. Our UK solicitors are adept at:
- Preventing accidental revocation of local wills
- Reducing the risk of double taxation
- Navigating forced heirship and succession rules
- Advising on the impact of marriage, divorce, or relocation
- Ensuring the efficient transfer of assets to beneficiaries
Our goal is to provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones — wherever your assets are located.
Client Benefits: Why Choose The Law Firm Group?
By choosing The Law Firm Group for your international will, you gain:
- Clarity: Transparent legal advice explained in plain English
- Protection: Robust documents that stand up to scrutiny in the UK and overseas
- Efficiency: Streamlined processes that save time and reduce stress
- Transparent Costs: Clear pricing with no hidden surprises
- Ongoing Support: Continued advice as your circumstances change
Our specialist solicitors are approachable, responsive, and committed to your best interests at every stage. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients, providing trustworthy legal services you can rely on.
Getting Started: The Next Steps
Starting your international will with The Law Firm Group is straightforward. Simply get in touch to arrange an initial consultation with one of our experienced solicitors. We will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and outline the practical steps involved. From reviewing your assets and existing documents, to drafting and finalising your international will, you can expect clear communication and expert legal support throughout.
With The Law Firm Group by your side, you can be confident that your international estate is in safe hands — giving you and your family lasting peace of mind, wherever life may take you.
