Geographic Limits

Please don’t try this at home, as they often say on TV to placate the health and safety brigade following the broadcast of a dangerous stunt.

Writing your own will is fraught with danger at the best of times but attempting to do so when you own assets in another country should really be left to the professionals.

English law is complicated enough. Imagine how tricky it is to navigate a path through the different rules covering inheritance, property and tax in foreign countries.

You can have a separate will to cover overseas assets but be careful it doesn’t invalidate or revoke your English will. Be aware of forced inheritance. Many countries across the globe – including France, Spain, China, Japan – and the state of Louisiana in the mighty USA insist that part of an estate passes to certain heirs regardless of what the will says.

If it’s not done correctly, your executors could be sorting out the mess for years to come and your money and possessions may not end up where you wanted them to be.

Make sure your will meets the requirements of the countries in which your assets are held by contacting Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.